How to Identify Common Eagle Ray

To identify Common Eagle Ray (Myliobatis aquila), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark brown, grey, or black, sometimes with faint lighter spots or reticulations. Ventral surface is white or off-white.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Diamond-shaped disc, wider than long., Long, whip-like tail with one or more venomous spines located near the base., Distinctive head with a prominent, rounded snout resembling a duck's bill., Eyes and spiracles located on the sides of the head., Pectoral fins are large and wing-like, giving it an 'eagle-like' appearance in water.

Dorsal fin

Small, single dorsal fin located at the base of the tail, just anterior to the spine(s).

Tail fin

Very long, slender, whip-like tail, significantly longer than the disc, bearing one to five serrated venomous spines.

Pectoral fin

Large, wing-like pectoral fins that form the main body disc.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the disc, posterior to the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Disc Shape

   Look for the broad, diamond-shaped disc with pointed pectoral fin tips. The disc is typically wider than it is long.

2. 2

   Head and Snout

   Observe the distinct, prominent head that protrudes from the disc, ending in a rounded, duck-bill-like snout. The eyes are on the sides of the head, not on top.

3. 3

   Tail and Spines

   Note the very long, whip-like tail, which is significantly longer than the body disc. One to five venomous spines are located at the base of the tail, just behind the small dorsal fin.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The dorsal surface is uniformly dark (brown, grey, or black), lacking the prominent white spots or rings seen in some other eagle ray species.

5. 5

   Swimming Behavior

   Often seen swimming gracefully with powerful, undulating movements of its pectoral fins, resembling a bird in flight. May also leap out of the water.

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