Bat Ray

Description:

This eagle ray from the eastern Pacific is found in a variety of habitats in shallow coastal waters. Many breed in the San Francisco Bay and judging from the size of this individual, it was most likely a juvenile. The diet of this fish is comprised largely of shellfish such as crabs and bivalves which are made short work of by the ray's powerful flat row of teeth. This was the first time I was able to see this creature from shore as I biked the Alviso loop. For some reason it was swimming with its tail sticking up in extremely shallow water.