Myliobatidae

Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)




Characteristics, Distribution and Range

The Myliobatidae family is made up of three subfamilies containing seven genera and about 42 species. Myliobatidae includes the eagle rays, manta or devil rays, and cownose rays. Myliobatidae are known for their large, disc-like, pectoral fins or "wings" that are pointed at the tips (Tricas et al. 2002, Tinker and De Luca 1973). These pectoral fins, unlike those of stingrays, do not extend forward and envelope the head but end at the side of the head, giving these rays heads distinct from the rest of the body. Pairs of eyes and spiracles are located on the side of the head. The skin is mostly smooth besides the few tubercles around the eyes and along midline on the backs of males. The long, slender, tapering tails have a venomous spine on the dorsal surface of most species, located closer to the body than in stingray spines. The flat, bony, plate-like teeth, set in one......

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Title: Spotted Eagle Ray
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