Devilray vs European otter

Mobula japanica compared with Lutra lutra

Key Differences

• Devilray is Not Evaluated while European otter is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Devilray	European otter
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Elasmobranchii	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Myliobatiformes (Myliobatiformes)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Myliobatidae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Mobula	Lutra (Otters)
Species	Mobula japanica	Lutra lutra

Evolutionary Relationship

Devilray and European otter share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Devilray

NE — Not Evaluated

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Devilray	European otter
Diet	—	Carnivore
Average Lifespan	—	10 years
Average Length	—	1.0 m
Average Weight	—	10.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Devilray

Habitat

Native to Asia and South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Distributed across Chile and Taiwan.

European otter

Habitat

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

Range

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

European otter

Sleek semi-aquatic mustelid found along clean rivers, streams, and coastlines across Europe and Asia. European otters can reach 1.3 meters in length and are highly skilled fish hunters, using sensitive whiskers to detect prey movements. Requiring unpolluted water with abundant fish, they are an indicator species for freshwater ecosystem health. Once nearly extinct in Western Europe from hunting and pollution, populations have recovered significantly following water quality improvements.