MYLIOBATIDAE Eagle Rays
Moderate to large sized, often found close inshore in shallow water. Often leap clear of the water, which sometimes causes them to be confused with larger manta ray. Feed on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs which they crush with their powerful jaws and grinding teeth. Long whip-like tail carries a barbed spine which can inflict a painful wound if stood on or handled. Fishermen working the shores on the east coast normally discard these handsome fish. Body disc-shaped with raised head and eyes set to the sides rather than on top, giving the appearance of a ‘dolphin-like marine mammal’ rather than a fish. Pectorals fused along sides of head and pectoral flap united below snout forming rostral lobe. Five small gill openings to underside of disc. White underside and dark brownish-grey dorsally, one with large profuse pale spots. Aetomyleus nichofii , Aetobatus narinari , Rhinoptera javanica .
Eagle ray Aetomyleus nichofii
Brown or mottled, long whip tail, prominent head and pointed wings. Occurs in open water over sandy substrate where it feeds on molluscs, small fish, and crustaceans. Disc 150 cm.
Spotted Eagle ray Aetobatus narinari
Large spots, long whip tail, prominent head and pointed wings. Occurs in open water over sandy substrate. A bottom and mid-water fish feeding on molluscs, small fish and crustaceans. Disc 175 cm.
Java cownose ray Rhinoptera javanica
Brown or mottled, long whip tail, prominent head and pointed wings. Open water over sandy substrate, feeds on crustaceans and squid. Disc 150 cm. edator and scavenger, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. 200 cm.