Spotted Eagle Ray

Description:

The Spotted Eagle Ray is a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. It can be found globally in tropical regions, including the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, off the coast of West Africa, the Indian Ocean, Oceania, and on both coasts of the Americas. The rays are most commonly seen alone, but occasionally swim in groups. This ray can be identified by its dark dorsal surface covered in white spots or rings. Near the base of the ray's relatively long tail, just behind the pelvic fins, are several venomous, barbed stingers. Spotted eagle rays commonly feed on small fish and crustaceans, and will sometimes dig with their snouts to look for food buried in the sand of the sea bed.

Habitat:

Spotted Eagle Ray, cruising all around the reef at Kahe Point (Electric Beach) on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Notes:

I swam with this guy for about 15 minutes as he went from the shallows, over the reef, then eventually out to sea. He was a pretty small eagle ray, with a wingspan of maybe 3' at max. We had fun playing together