Endangered Spotted Ray: Discover the Hidden Facts

The Aetobatus narinari, commonly known as the spotted ray, eagle ray, or speckled sea eagle, is an endangered species from the Myliobatidae family, part of the Myliobatiformes order. This semi-pelagic species is typically found in coastal waters, often associated with coral reefs, estuaries, or beaches in tropical and subtropical seas, at depths less than 60 meters.

For a long time, the eagle ray was thought to be a cosmopolitan species. However, DNA studies have revealed that it is actually one of five distinct species. Consequently, between 2021 and 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reviewed the status of these species and reclassified them as "endangered."

Spotted rays, along with sharks, are elasmobranchs, a subclass of cartilaginous fish. Their skeletons are made of cartilage, and they possess Lorenzini's ampoules, a sensory organ that allows them to detect electric currents and locate their prey. Each individual is identifiable by a unique pattern of spots covering its dorsal area, which aids in research efforts.

The spotted ray is native to the shallow coastal waters of coral reefs and bays in the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from the United States to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Their diet primarily consists of shrimp, crabs, and sea snails, with the pink snail being a particular favorite in the Mexican Caribbean.

In terms of reproduction, eagle rays reach sexual maturity between the ages of 14 and 15. Males typically measure between 115 to 130 centimeters in disc width, while females range from 125 to 135 centimeters. The species has a low birth rate, producing only four to five offspring after a gestation period of one year.