Spotted eagle ray
Aetobatus narinari
(Euphrasen, 1790)
Description:
Fish dorso-ventrally flattened, with greatly enlarged pectoral fins, which give them a disc-like shape. Back dark, with numerous white spots and circular markings (A. narinari 2). Underside white (A. narinari). Head pronounced with a flattened, tapering snout. Mouth on the underside of the head. Tail long and thin, with one to five venomous spines at the base.
Size from wing-tip to wing-tip: 1.2 - 2 meter.
Habitat:
Most of their time is spent swimming, cruising walls and sandy areas, down to 50 meter. Dig in the sand for mollusks, upon which they feed.
Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean; circumtropical.