Aetobatus narinari

Spotted Eagle Rays are generally solitary or found in small groups, though larger aggregations occur during migration or feeding. They feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, using their strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey buried in sand. Despite their large size, they are shy around humans and rarely pose a threat.

This species is ovoviviparous, meaning embryos develop inside the mother and pups are born live. Females typically give birth to 1–4 pups after a gestation period lasting several months. Due to their slow reproductive cycle, populations can be sensitive to environmental pressures and overfishing.

Spotted Eagle Rays have a broad, triangular snout resembling a bird’s beak, which they use to forage for buried prey. Their wingspan can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters), with a long, whip-like tail often longer than their body and equipped with venomous spines. They are one of the most visually distinctive ray species, with bright spots contrasting sharply against their dark skin.

Found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, the Spotted Eagle Ray inhabits coral reefs, sandy flats, and coastal lagoons. They have long captivated divers and ocean observers due to their striking appearance and graceful movement.

The Spotted Eagle Ray is listed as Near Threatened, facing risks from habitat loss, bycatch, and targeted fishing. Conservation efforts focus on protecting coastal ecosystems and regulating fisheries to ensure stable populations.