Danny Reef Palmahim is an important reproductive area for three ray species. All reports described below were from visual, in-water surveys, and from citizen scientists, and demonstrate the regular and predictable nature of species sightings that aggregate for reproductive purposes. The number of observations refers to the number of times the species has been sighted, and the number of individuals is the total individuals seen across all combined observations (the MECO project unpubl. data 2023).

Common Stingrays aggregate seasonally in this area, with females aggregating to gestate and neonates staying in the area during the early stages of their lives. Common Stingrays were reported each year since 2015 comprising 178 observations of 3,250 individuals. During the boreal spring (May–June), adults of both sexes are observed (129 observations). Pregnant females with noticeably distended abdomens were documented 30 times and a single parturition event was observed in June 2023. In July, adults leave the area with few observations for the rest of the year (0–8 observations per month). Between May and early November, observations of neonates and young-of-the-year have been recorded 45 times (~1,500 individuals). Neonates were identified by visual size estimates, with support from other features, such as the length of the tail and a body without scars (Barash et al. 2018; the MECO project unpubl. data 2023).

Common Guitarfish aggregations have been reported in the area each year since 2018, with 34 observations recorded of 529 individuals. In most cases, aggregations were recorded at night and only two observations were reported from the daytime. During May–June, adults of both sexes were observed (15 observations). Later in the year from August–December, neonates and young-of-the-year have been increasingly reported over the years, indicating that this area is important for the early life stages of this species. Sixteen aggregations of neonates and young-of-the-year were recorded, often comprising large numbers of up to 80 individuals (Barash et al. 2018; the MECO project unpubl. data 2023). Their estimated size ranged 20–40 cm total length (TL). The species’ size-at-birth is ~25 cm TL and they have a size range of 22–46 cm TL for the age class 0 (Ismen et al. 2007), indicating that these were neonates and young-of-the-year.

Blackchin Guitarfish aggregations have been increasingly reported annually since 2013, with 41 observations of 305 individuals recorded. During June, adults of both sexes are observed (27 observations). From the end of August to October, only neonates and young-of-the-year have been recorded (17 observations; Barash et al. 2018; the MECO project unpubl. data 2023). These range in estimated size from 20–40 cm TL and most were likely to be neonates considering the size-at-birth of 34 cm TL (Kyne et al. 2020). The different seasonality of adults and neonates suggests that parturition occurs in the area in August. The same timing for parturition is also observed in nearby areas (e.g., Dalia Beach).