Animal profile

Bat Ray

Myliobatis californica

ChondrichthyesSandy bays, kelp beds, estuaries and sloughs of the eastern PacificLeast Concern

Field profile

The bat ray is an eagle ray of the North American Pacific coast, with a blunt projecting head and a disc up to about 1.8 metres across. It is a familiar sight in Californian bays and a common touch-pool animal in aquaria.

Published field notes

2023-01-28

Bat Ray

Bat rays dig their meals out of the seabed

A feeding bat ray excavates pits in soft sediment by flapping its wings and blowing water, then crushes what it uncovers between pavements of interlocking tooth plates that are continuously replaced from behind.

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