News

Researchers studying the habits of the Chilean devil ray were surprised to find that the animal dives to depths far deeper than ever imagined.

Experts previously believed that devil rays never went below 3,280 feet when diving, but new evidence shows that they frequently dive up to 6,000 feet deep, likely in search of food.

Chilean devil rays have a rete mirabile, a specialized organ that deep-sea dwelling creatures possess which protects the brain and helps it function better in extremely cold temperatures. Until now, scientists—believing that the devil ray resided only in shallow waters—were uncertain why the animal possessed this organ.

Satellite tracking data revealed that the rays’ dives generally lasted 60 to 90 minutes and were made only once in a 24-hour period.

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