Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus 1758) —Spiny butterfly ray

Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus) by Mouneimné (1977: 60); subsequently recorded as Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus 1758) by Mouneimné (2002: 61); recently recorded as Gymnura altavela by Bariche et al. (2007; 111) and as Gymnura altavela by Lteif (2015; 61). Recent unpublished records from Beirut (1998–2019). Material in collection: AUBM.

Distribution. Tropical and temperate western and eastern Atlantic (including Caribbean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea).

Conservation. IUCN: Global (VU: A2bd+4bd, 1 March 2007); Med. (CR: A2bd, 25 March 2016). Capture and threats: FIB, HAB, unknown. Occurrence: Rare. High priority for conservation action.