Eagle Rays: Spotted Eagle Ray - FWC

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    • Recreational
      • Fishing & Hunting
        • How to Order
        • Do I Need a License?
        • Limited Entry/Quota Hunts
      • Public Land Use
      • Accessibility Accommodations
    • Commercial
      • Commercial Licenses
        • Commercial Saltwater
        • Commercial Freshwater
        • CLS Online Login
      • Charter Licenses
      • Vessel Pier Licenses
    • Wildlife
      • Wildlife Permits
      • Nuisance Wildlife Permits
      • Captive Wildlife Permits
    • More ...
      • Application Forms
      • Boating & Navigation
  • Resolve a Wildlife Conflict
    • Wildlife Alert
      • Report a Violation
      • Know the Rules
        • Captive Wildlife
        • Saltwater Recreational Regulations
        • Freshwater Recreational Regulations
        • Hunting Regulations
        • Boating Regulations
        • See All
    • Resolve Wildlife Conflict
      • Learn to Unhook Seabirds
      • Living with Wildlife
        • Bear
        • Bats
        • Coyote
        • Alligators and Crocodiles
        • Shorebirds/Seabirds
        • Snakes
        • See All
    • Report Issues
      • Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc.
        • Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program
        • Report Fish Kills
        • Red Tide Status
        • Report Sightings of Nonnative Species
        • Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees
        • See All
  • Engaging in Conservation
    • Conservation
      • Value of Conservation
      • Living with Wildlife
      • Freshwater Programs
      • Saltwater Programs
      • Terrestrial Programs
      • Stash the trash
      • Special Initiatives
        • Coastal Wildlife
        • State Wildlife Action Plan
        • See All
    • Wildlife and Habitats
      • Wildlife Conservation
      • Nonnative Species
      • Species Profiles
        • Alligator
        • Bald Eagle
        • Bear
        • Gopher Tortoise
        • Manatee
        • Panther
        • Sea Turtle
        • See All
    • How You Can Conserve
      • Install Wildlife Lighting
      • Exotic Pet Amnesty
      • Habitat Management
        • Working with Private Landowners
        • Invasive Plants
        • Prescribed Fire
        • Management Plans
        • Aquatic Habitat Conservation
        • See All
      • Education
        • Educators
        • Outdoor Skills
        • Learn about Wildlife
        • See All
    • Research
      • Freshwater
      • GIS and Mapping
      • Habitat
      • Manatee
      • Red Tide
      • Saltwater
      • Wildlife
      • Publications
      • About
  • Things To Do
    • Fishing
      • Freshwater Fishing
        • Recreational Regulations
        • Commercial Regulations
        • Fish Identification
        • Fishing Education
        • Sites & Forecasts
        • See All
      • Saltwater Fishing
        • Recreational Regulations
        • Commercial Regulations
        • Fish Identification
        • Saltwater Fishing Clinics
        • Provide Comments
        • See All
    • Hunting
      • Regulations
        • WMA Brochures
        • Season Dates
        • Hunter Safety
        • Limited Entry Hunts
      • New Hunter
      • Public Shooting Ranges
      • Alligator
      • Deer
      • Dove
      • Turkey
      • Quail
      • Waterfowl
      • Wild Hog
    • Wildlife Recreation
      • Wildlife Viewing
        • Where to View Wildlife
        • How to View Wildlife
        • Backyards and Beyond
        • Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
        • See All
      • Recreation on Wild Lands
        • What are WMAS?
        • Explore by name
        • Explore by map
        • What to Do
        • See All
    • Boating
      • Regulations
      • Safety & Education
        • Safety Equipment
        • ID Cards
        • Courses
        • See All
      • Boat Ramps & Access
      • Derelict Vessels
      • Stash the trash
      • Wear It Florida
      • Wildlife Alert
  • Places To Go
    • WMAs
      • WMA Brochures
        • Area Opened/Closed Status
      • What are Wildlife Management Areas?
        • Explore By Name
        • Explore the Map
        • See All
    • Recreation
      • Where to Go
        • Hunting
        • Fishing
        • Wildlife Viewing
        • Hiking
        • See All
      • Outfitters and Guides
    • Public Shooting Ranges
      • Range Safety Rules
      • Safety & Education
      • Map of public shooting ranges
    • Go Outdoors Florida!
      • Discover Wildlands
      • Fishing Sites & Forecasts
      • Boating Ramps & Access
      • Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail
      • Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network
      • Calendar of Events
      • Artificial Reefs
  • About Us
    • About
      • Inside FWC
        • Research Institute
        • Hunting and Game Management
        • Freshwater Fisheries Management
        • Law Enforcement
        • Habitat and Species Conservation
        • Marine Fisheries Management
        • See All
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      • Strategic Planning
      • Rules & Regulations
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        • Sign up for news releases
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  • Eagle Rays: Spotted Eagle Ray
Eagle Rays: Spotted Eagle Ray

SPOTTED EAGLE RAYAetobatus narinari

 

IdentificationBroad angular disc, twice as wide as long, strongly concave posterior with angular tips. Dark brown to black with series of lighter spots/circles on the dorsal surface, whitish below. Large fleshy subrostral lobe. Dorsal fin near base of whip-like tail followed posterior by a venomous spine(s).

Habitat and BehaviorA pelagic species commonly found in shallow inshore waters such as bays, estuaries, and coral reefs but may cross oceanic basins to depths of around 200 feet. Often seen swimming near the water surface, occasionally leaping completely out of the water. Frequently forming large schools during the non-breeding season.

FeedingFeeds mainly on bivalves but also eats shrimp, crabs, octopus, worms, whelks, and small fishes.

ReproductionAplacental viviparity. Up to four pups per litter.

Size Wingspan up to 10 feet and up to 500 pounds. Maximum total length (tip of snout to tip end of tail) of 17 feet.

Human FactorsProtected in Florida state waters. Non-aggressive species of little danger to humans except for their defensive venomous barb located near the base of the tail. Avoid handling or exercise extreme caution.

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Tag » Are Eagle Rays Dangerous To Humans