Javanese Cownose Ray

The Javanese cownose ray (or Rhinoptera javanica) is a coastal species found in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and eastern Africa across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It prefers sandy or muddy sea beds near coral reefs, estuaries, and bays, where it feeds on benthic invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. This ray is easily recognised by its distinct head shape, featuring a broad, rounded snout with a central notch that resembles a cow’s nose. Its body is diamond-shaped with long, pointed pectoral fins and a whip-like tail. The upper surface is typically brown to grey, while the underside is pale. Adult Javanese cownose rays can reach a disc width of up to about 1.5m, with a body length of 2m including the tail. They generally weigh 20kg to 40kg, though size can vary depending on habitat and food availability.

The Javanese cownose ray is considered Endangered. Fishing gear catches this species unintentionally as bycatch across its whole range, and the species is also directly fished for meat or trade in some regions. As a result, some populations have reduced 50 to 79% over the past 44 years. Habitat degradation is common due to coastal development, destructive fishing methods, and disturbances in mangroves, estuaries, or seagrass that reduce suitable feeding and breeding grounds. The Javanese cownose ray has low fecundity, slow growth and late maturity and cannot rebound quickly from heavy mortality. Some local efforts regulate fishing practices to reduce bycatch and over-exploitation, and improving monitoring quantifies catches, trends, and habitat use. Currently there is no comprehensive conservation program specifically for the Javanese cownose ray. Proposed measures include protected areas, fishing quotas or bans, and habitat protection, but gaps remain in enforcement, fishing regulations, protected area coverage, and species-specific research.