Bat Ray
Myliobatis californica
Eagle rays
eagle_ray
About
Eagle rays are large rays that swim in open water instead of resting on the seabed. In this app the group includes the White-spotted Eagle Ray, the Spotted Eagle Ray, and the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray.
How to tell it apart
A long, defined diamond-shaped body with a long whip-like tail marks this group out from flatter, rounder rays. Within the group, size and wingspan are the easiest way to tell members apart, from the small common eagle ray to the giant manta ray.
Appearance
Eagle rays have a diamond-shaped (rhomboidal) body and a long, whip-like tail, longer than in most other rays. Flat teeth let them crush the shells of the shellfish they eat. Size varies a lot across the group, from under half a metre up to over 5 metres long, with a wingspan that can reach 7 metres.
Is it dangerous?
generally harmless (venomous tail spines — do not corner or handle)
Did you know?
Eagle rays are strong swimmers that can leap fully out of the water, breaching several metres into the air.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
