The spotted eagle ray is exactly what you might imagine- a ray characterized by a plethora of white spots against a dark blue to black color. They have unusually shaped snouts that aid in distinguishing them from other rays, and have been described as similar to a duck’s bill.

Spotted eagle rays have longer tails than other species in addition to their multiple venomous spines that protrude behind their ventral fins near their tail. These rays can grow to 16 feet in length and over 500 pounds.

The pattern of spots on each ray are unique to the individual and can actually be used as an identification marker in studies in place of the common system of tagging.

The spotted eagle ray can be found spending its time swimming in schools within shallow coastal water in temperate climates. Such regions include the Indo-Pacific oceans in addition to the western Atlantic ocean. Spotted eagle rays also enjoy gliding through coral reefs, and occasionally diving as deep as 80 meters.

Rather than simply biting their prey, the spotted eagle ray uses its plate-like teeth to crush their prey into pieces. This prey includes bony fish, clams, squids, sea urchins, and other similar organisms. Spotted eagle rays also use their snouts to dig through sand in the search for a bite to eat, made easier by its unique shape.

A female spotted eagle ray will give birth to 4 or less offspring after one year of pregnancy, in which the young develop attached to a yolk sac. Compared to how large they will grow, the spotted eagle ray pup is quite small, only measuring 7-14 inches when born.

The mating process involves more than one male chasing a female before reproduction occurs, and intercourse takes as little as 30 seconds at times. Females will find multiple mates in this manner over the course of a single day or two. It is extremely rare for the parents to care for the pups once they are born.

While being chased by predators, the spotted eagle ray has been known to completely leap out of the water to put more distance between itself and its tormentor. This jumping behavior has been observed in a plethora of other situations as well- including during birth!