Animal profile

Common Eagle Ray

Myliobatis aquila

ChondrichthyesSandy and muddy bottoms and open water over the shelf, from the shallows to about 300 metresVulnerable

Field profile

The common eagle ray has a rhomboid disc with pointed wingtips, a projecting head and a long tail bearing one or more spines. It swims well clear of the bottom and feeds on molluscs and crustaceans dug from sediment.

Published field notes

2024-04-02

Common Eagle Ray

Eagle rays flap while stingrays ripple

Rays swim in two distinct ways. Bottom-dwelling stingrays send a wave down the edge of the disc, while eagle rays and mantas beat the whole wing up and down, which is what allows them to cover open water.

Read with evidence →