Cownose Ray Species in Captivity

[Westcoastperson]

For a long time I was under the impression all cownose ray species in captivity were the nominate Atlantic cownose ray or Rhinoptera bonasus. But recently I have discovered the Aquarium of the Pacific: Pacific Cownose Ray has Pacific Cownose ray or Rhinoptera Steindachneri. So now I have to ask how many different species of cownose rays are in captivity and how common are they?

 

[Great Argus]

For a long time I was under the impression all cownose ray species in captivity were the nominate Atlantic cownose ray or Rhinoptera bonasus. But recently I have discovered the Aquarium of the Pacific: Pacific Cownose Ray has Pacific Cownose ray or Rhinoptera Steindachneri. So now I have to ask how many different species of cownose rays are in captivity and how common are they?

At least in North America, by far the norm is R. bonasus. I would guess that aquariums on other continents lean towards their native Rhinoptera species but I do not have any actual confirmation.

 

[Jana]

Looking at ZTL: Cownose ray (bonasus) is also by far the most common species kept in Europe (at 42 institutions). The second most numerous (7x) is Oman cownose ray (R.jayakari) - wild-caught individuals get regularly into legal trade here. Next is Javanese cownose ray (6x). And then the rarest one - Lusitanian cownose ray (marginata) kept only at Valecia.

 

[DaLilFishie]

The Australian Cownose Ray, R. neglecta, is the usual species here in Australia (the cownoses at Cairns Aquarium are this species). Javanese Cownose Ray, R. javanica, is also kept, I have seen it at Osaka Aquarium and Tokyo Sea Life Park.

 

[splendens]

I believe the california academy of sciences keeps Rhinoptera javanica.