Flexi Cownose Ray

Cownose rays are a species of stingray native to the west Atlantic ocean from Massachusetts to Brazil. In the summer, schools can be seen in the Chesapeake Bay and are sometimes mistaken for sharks by beachgoers when the tips of their fins breach the surface. They prefer shallow waters and can live up to 21 years. They have broad heads and get their name from the two lobes on the bottom of the head which hide their dental plates they use to find and crush oysters, clams, and crabs.

This model uses the same flexible scale assembly as my Northern Snakehead model to allow movement of the “wings”. In this model however the individual scale units are thicker to improve strength. The tail is also on a swivel to prevent breaking of the thinner section. The model is painted in 3 colors, color 1 being the top which I switched between gray and caramel to match the real thing as closely as possible. The bottom is painted white (color2) and the eyes are painted black (color3). The models also float in water and make for great pool or bath toys. I had a lot of fun modeling these little guys and hope you have just as much fun printing them!