The Order Myliobatiformes consists of cartilaginous fishes commonly known as stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays. Members of this order are characterized by flattened bodies with broad pectoral fins fused to the head, giving them a distinctive wing-like appearance. Most have ventrally located mouths adapted for bottom-feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, though some, like manta rays, filter-feed on plankton. Many possess venomous barbed tails used for defense. Found in marine and some freshwater environments worldwide, Myliobatiformes are highly adapted for gliding through water and play important ecological roles as predators and benthic foragers.