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Aetobatus narinari
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.
Spotted Eagle Rays playing on a shallow shelf along the entrance to Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.
This was the very first time I had ever seen an Eagle Ray, back in 2011, long before I was able to swim with them on multiple occasions here in Hawaii.
Spotted on Feb 11, 2011
Submitted on Apr 25, 2014
1 Comment
These are gorgeous! They almost appear to be 'dancing' underwater in the first shot.