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Spotted Eagle Ray
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read more about the spectacular life such and interesting facts about Spotted Eagle Rays in our marine life blog. Or if you want to see more marine life news you can click here to read some recomendations of What to Pack for a Liveaboard[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Spotted Eagle Ray - Aetobatus narinari
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There are many interesting facts about spotted eagle rays. They are the most distinctive and beautiful of the cartilaginous family, their behaviour and nature distinguish them from the other species in this family. The rays inhabit the tropical waters from the Indian Ocean, Galapagos, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia and parts of the Atlantic.
Eagle Rays tend to stay in the bays and reefs of the coastal areas but this can vary to around 80m and prefer warmer waters.
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As adults spotted eagle rays can reach an impressive 5m in length, (including the long tail). They have a wingspan of 2.5m and can weigh up to 225kg. The females are larger than the males.
There flat disc shaped body has a pelvic fin close to the tail, and the snout is flat like the bill of a duck. The mouth contains broad flat teeth that form a plate on both the lower and upper jaws. They have papillae, (sensory organs), on the roof and floor of their mouths. The long tail has between 2 and six stingers. Join this with the colouration of dark blue with white rings on the top, and a white belly makes them very distinctive. The pattern of these spots or rings are unique for each individual and can be used for identification.
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They spotted eagle rays travel in small groups of between 3 and 15 over long distances at the same pace. The rays enjoy the open water areas, in the shallows, they are often alone. The arrival of the high tide does increase their activity. They can be seen jumping vertically out of the water especially when threatened. If they are captured, they can emit a loud sound.
Diet
They can be seen digging with their snouts in the sand to surround themselves with sand that is emitted from the gills. Like all rays, their body shape assists them to swim close to the seabed, and their eyes which are located on the top of the body. Meaning they can be buried partially beneath the sand while still being able to see and breathe.
The diet is mainly molluscs, crabs, crustaceans clams, oysters, squid and small fish. They have a special tooth structure to assist with the breaking of the shells so they can feed.
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Mating
During the mating season, the males chase the females, until one is successful. The female can usually mate with multiple males during the season.
The eggs hatch in the female, and there is a one year gestation period. This results in 2 to 4 pups being born at about 17 to 35cm in length.
It takes 4 to 6 years for them to reach maturity, the exact lifespan is not known but thought to be between 15 to 20 years.
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The spotted eagle rays do have some predators; the main ones are, tiger, bull great hammerhead and silvertip sharks. They tend to follow the females so they can prey on the juveniles.
The only defines mechanism they have are the poisonous barbs on the tails, useful against small animals and fish.
In IUCN reports, they are unfortunately on the list of near threatened, and many countries have put protective measures in place. They can be captured for the public aquarium trade.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Images were provided by Marcelo Johan Ogata and Fish n Fins[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]