Eagle ray

An eagle ray is a large ray in the family Myliobatidae, distinguished by broad, winglike pectoral fins and swimming in open water.

Myliobatidae: Myliobatidae is a family of cartilaginous fishes that includes eagle rays and other large, swimming rays. Eagle rays belong to this family, whose members share broad pectoral fins and distinctive swimming styles.
Benthic feeding: Benthic feeding is the consumption of organisms living on or within the bottom of an aquatic habitat. Eagle rays search the seabed for shellfish and other prey despite spending much time swimming above it.
Manta ray: A manta ray is a large pelagic ray in the family Mobulidae, known for cephalic lobes and filter feeding. Manta rays are close relatives within the myliobatiform rays but feed mainly on plankton.
IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List assesses the extinction risk of species worldwide. It records conservation assessments for eagle-ray species, which face varying levels of risk.
Spotted eagle ray: The spotted eagle ray is a large tropical ray marked by white spots across its dark back. It is a familiar eagle-ray species whose markings make the group’s broad wings especially recognizable.
Batoidea: Batoidea is the group of cartilaginous fishes that includes rays, skates, and sawfishes. This broader group places eagle rays among the flattened relatives of sharks.
Durophagy: Durophagy is a feeding strategy centered on crushing hard-shelled prey. Eagle rays crush mollusks and crustaceans with flattened, plate-like teeth.
Cownose ray: A cownose ray is a migratory ray with a deeply notched head and paired cephalic lobes. Its schooling and long-distance movements offer a comparison with other open-water myliobatids.
Bycatch: Bycatch is the unintended capture of animals during fishing for other species. Eagle rays can be caught in nets and lines aimed at other fish.
Bat ray: The bat ray is a large eastern Pacific ray with broad, angular pectoral fins. This coastal species illustrates the family’s winglike shape and bottom-feeding habits.

Linked from 2 pages

Whiptail stingrayCompared with: Eagle rays differ from typical whiptail stingrays in body shape and swimming style.