Eaglerray - Aetobatus narinari


The spotted eagle ray is found worldwide in coastal tropical waters. This relative of the shark is quite noticeable in certain years in the Sea of Cortez. It can be seen leaping clear of the water's surface and high into the air on dozens of occasions in a single day. In other years they are totally absent with respect to these aerial displays. The spotted eagle ray, which can attain a length of seven and a half feet and a weight of 500 pounds, can sometimes be seen in a schooling arrow shaped group numbering hundreds of individuals. The ray can bury itself in the sandy ocean floor making it almost invisible. It uses its shovel shaped snout to feed on mollusks, crustaceans and small fish. No diver or snorkeler soon forgets the sight of one of these majestic winged creatures flapping gracefully through the water.

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