Without their rainforest habitat, populations of these special birds decline. Read on to learn about the eagle ray. La raie léopard vit dans les eaux tropicales et subtropicales, dans les baies et les lagons souvent à proximité d'un récif, et dans une profondeur comprise entre la surface et 80 mètres. [5], International Union for Conservation of Nature, "Is it a fish, is it a bird? [1], A benthopelagic species, it feeds on such invertebrates as clams, oysters, crabs and worms that it finds on the seabed. Members of this family are ovoviviparous, which means that they have internal fertilization and give live birth. The prey is crushed with the teeth and the hard fragments rejected. It has 5 gill slits on its underside next to where the main body and the wings connect. HABITAT. They young develop in eggs within the mother’s body, and are usually born when they hatch. Aetobatus narinari is a larger species of ray that live in tropical and temperate oceans over the globe.They are a bentho-pelagic species, meaning that they are capable of living in the open water column, called the pelagic zone, and also the deepest area of the ocean, called the benthic zone (Schluessel 2008). It is usually in shallow water, but has been found as deep as 422 m (1,380 ft). Although you may never see a stingray, you can tell if you’re in their habitat by the presence of large craters and pits in the sand, created as they excavate for buried prey. For the most part, Toucans do … Habitat of Spotted Eagle Ray. Spotted eagle rays also face a variety of threats from habitat loss, harmful algal blooms and entanglement in fishing gear. Rays are distinguished from sharks by a flattened, disklike body, with the five gill openings and the mouth generally located on the underside. They are also occassionally found in some estuaries." Eagle Habitat. Habitat of the Stingray. Others have more selective habitats and thus, a more restricted range. Local site fidelity, local and regional movements are unknown. Flat Body This structural adaptation helps the eagle ray to swim fast along the ocean floor while looking for prey. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Zealand_eagle_ray&oldid=989350657, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 November 2020, at 14:06. Eagle ray, any of about two dozen species of exclusively marine rays constituting the family Myliobatidae (order Rajiformes), occurring in the major oceans. This fish can grow to a maximum width of about 150 cm (60 in), with females being rather larger than males. Ray, any of the cartilaginous fishes of the order Batoidei, related to sharks and placed with them in the class Chondrichthyes. Habitat. [3][4], This ray is native to the waters around both North and South Island in New Zealand, the Kermadec Islands, Norfolk Island and southern Australia, where it occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Range. The eagle ray will use its adapted snout to dig up sand on the bottom of the ocean to search for its prey. Some common prey includes clams, oysters, lobster, crabs, shrimp, and fish. The common eagle ray, M. aquila, is distributed throughout the Eastern Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea. Spotted eagle rays are known to leap out of the water when threatened. Many are cosmopolitan in nature, which means that they are widespread across the globe. Predators Reproduction Other Facts Anatomy Habitat Map of Distribution Description Commonly seen in bay and reef areas, where the spend much of their time swimming freely in depth up to about 260ft. These rays are native to oceans in tropical and subtropical climates, and avoid ocean temperatures below 68º F. The two species have slightly different habitat preferences, but both are pelagic. Adaptation. They have the enlarged, winglike pectoral fins characteristic of the order. The Aetobatus narinari looks similar to what most people imagine when thinking about a typical string ray, except it is much, much larger. Although it occurs in inshore waters to depths of approximately 200 feet (60 m), the spotted eagle ray spends most of its time swimming in schools in open water. Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) are also commonly sighted in large schools in small lagoons such as like Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Spotted Eagle Ray. Those handled frequently should have their stingers clipped, if they have one. Overfishing is the most alarming human hazard to the species. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Habitat and Lifespan Spotted Eagle Ray Habitat: "1-80 meters in tropical and sub-tropical marine open and coastal waters." Different species can be found virtually worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans. Both birds depend heavily on fish for food, but the eagle snatches fish from the water’s surface, while the osprey will plunge in and grab the fish. Both birds depend heavily on fish for food, but the eagle snatches fish from the water’s surface, while the osprey will plunge in … Reaching widths of nearly 11 feet (over 3 m), the spotted eagle ray is one of the largest eagle rays, with only the mantas growing bigger. These creatures feed primarily on hard-shelled organisms that they crush with their toothy dental plates. Mises à jour quotidiennes, tests, news et plannings sorties. These energetic, charismatic, and large members of the stingray family are incredibly interesting. Myliobatis tenuicaudatus was first described in 1877 by the Scottish naturalist James Hector who was director of the geological survey of New Zealand;[2] the fish was thought to be endemic to New Zealand. Animals that are accidentally caught are known as bycatch, and generally die before the nets or lines are drawn in. In open waters, spotted eagle rays often form large schools and swim close to the … Eagle Diet. The Ocellated Eagle Ray is aplacental viviparous (ovoviparous), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment by the indirect absorption of uterine fluid produced by the mother. The fish seem capable of recovering when released and in general, numbers of fish are fairly stable. Natural predators include white tip, tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks. The largest species, the manta ray, can have a wingspan of 23 ft. across! They feed mainly on bivalves, but may also eat shrimp, crabs, octopus, worms, whelks, and small fishes. Spotted eagle rays, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790), aka white-spotted eagle ray, bonnetray, and maylan, grow to at least 3.5 m disc width and 9 m total length and have a recorded maximum weight of 230 kg. Some species, like cow nosed rays, are quite docile and make a wonderful choice for touch tanks. No information on connectivity between populations exist, making the species vulnerable to local extinctions. They are rhomboidal in shape with triangular “wings,” rather than rounded like many other stingrays. Some species are filter feeders, which means that they take mouthfuls of water and filter out plankton to eat. Instead, it is used for oil and fishmeal. They live in depths of up to 80 meters, however they can sometimes be spotted in estuaries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. [3] This process leaves a steep-sided pit which may be as much as 30 cm (12 in) across, and these pits can often be seen in shallow water in the summer. In a generic revision in 2014, W.T. Eagle ray are found all over the world in tropical, coastal waters. Elle se pose parfois sur les fonds sableux. The ornate eagle ray is found on muddy bays and banks as well as on coral reefs. Examples are bays and coral reefs. There are a number of different species that inhabit different ecosystems and habitats. Habitat and Ecology. A few species are found in the open ocean, but most hunt and search the bottom for prey. Current research on this species may reveal that what is being called the white-spotted eagle ray may in fact be several species. Habitat. The vast majority of species live in tropical, subtropical, or temperate oceans. The whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari is a tropical to warm‐temperate benthopelagic batoid that ranges widely throughout the western Atlantic Ocean. Size of the Ray Lifespan of the Spotted Eagle Ray is usually 4-6 years Length w/out tail: Eagle rays are commonly observed in bays and over coral reefs as well as the occasional foray into estuarine habitats. The spotted eagle ray is distributed worldwide in tropical and warm temperate waters: western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Indo-West Pacific,ReadSeaandPacific Ocean. Some, like manta rays, are pelagic and live in the open ocean. The Spotted Eagle Ray is one of the largest eagle rays with a wing-span that can stretch over 3m! Stingray, any of a number of flat-bodied rays noted for the long, sharp spines on their tails. The ideal water temperature ranges from … Habitat: Spotted eagle rays inhabit both Atlantic and Pacific waters – from North Carolina to Brazil, and from the Gulf of California to Peru. Groups can consist of several hundred individuals. Aetobatus narinari is a reef associated ray and is commonly found along reef edges. Spotted eagle rays usually grow to about 4-7 feet in length (excluding tail), and their long, slender tail can equal up to four times the length of its body with 2-5 venomous spines at the base. Those nicknames come from the horn-shaped fins on their face, called “cephalic fins.” The curved cephalic fins give a devil horn-like appearance to the rays. We are practical, results-oriented, and invested in the success of each customer’s mission. The spotted eagle ray and its relatives are known as eagle rays due to the peculiar shape of their snouts – which are round and pointed at the tip, resembling a bird’s beak. tenuicaudatus. The pectoral fins beat up and down so that the fish appears to "fly" through the water. Habitat of the Manta Ray. The tail looks like a whip and may be as long as the body, and is armed with a sting. Spotted Eagle Rays have pointed heads, long tails with a spiny termination and a wingspan ranging from one to two metres, but their most distinguishing feature is the array of white spots that covers their black tops. More than often they do take snakes and small birds as well. The flattened disc-shaped body of a Spotted Eagle Ray measures up to 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) in width (Bester 2014). Spotted eagle rays, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790), aka white-spotted eagle ray, bonnetray, and maylan, grow to at least 3.5 m disc width and 9 m total length and have a recorded maximum weight of 230 kg. These fish can be immense, and the wingspan of the largest of the two species can be up to 23 ft. across! Just like the name implies, the spotted eagle ray is covered in spots and other markings. Habitat; Adaptation; Interactions; Reproduction; Fun Facts; References; Contact Us ; Adaptation. They are also observed in the Red Sea, South Africa, Hawaii, Japan and Australia. Sometimes they might dwell in the profound waters depths of about 80 m while at other times they may be found on the coastal surface. Current research on this species may reveal that what is being called the white-spotted eagle ray may in fact be several species. The New Zealand eagle ray or Australian eagle ray (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus) is an eagle ray of the family Myliobatidae, found in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs around New Zealand and southern Australia on the inner continental shelf. Others will congregate in large numbers at feeding sites. There has For the most part, this family is free swimming and quite active. The longhead eagle ray displays a strong association to estuary habitats with brackish waters in tropical and subtropical coasts. Habitat of the Whale Shark. The Aetobatus narinari looks similar to what most people imagine when thinking about a typical string ray, except it is much, much larger. These threats, combined with their extremely low reproductive rate, make these rays vulnerable to population declines. In a zoological setting the care will depend on what species is being displayed. It is may be found at depths of at least 80 m and occurs as solitary individuals, in pairs, or in groups. They normally take rests on top of mountains. – It's an eagle ray! They are usually 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) across the disc at birth. Range. Coral reefs and bays represent their normal habitat, although some spotted eagle rays occasionally venture into estuaries. Spotted eagle rays are found all around the world in tropical regions near the equator. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, both spotted eagle ray species have conservation status, as they are endangered by unsustainable fishing and habitat … It will then swallow the soft flesh. They differ greatly from other stingrays, and with approximately two dozen different species, there’s so much to learn. [3], This fish produces live young, with litter sizes varying between two and twenty, with an average of six young. The tail is whip-like and barbed, like a really long stingray tail, except the eagle ray's spines are located at the base of the tail, near the body, instead of near the tip. It is ovoviviparous, producing young by means of eggs which hatch inside the parent’s body, and it gives birth to litters of 2 4 pups. Scientists believe they occur on the inner continental shelf to depths of 110m, feeding mainly on snails, mussels and crustaceans, using their hard teeth to crush the shells. Others inhabit coral reefs or habitats close to shore. This fluid is enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures. Some commonly known members of the Myliobatidae (eagle ray) family are devil rays, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, and cow nose rays. [4], M. tenuicaudatus is a common species and is sometimes caught as bycatch in coastal fisheries. Some, like manta rays, are pelagic and live in the open ocean. This means that they don’t live in close proximity … The whitespotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), found in estuaries and lagoons throughout Florida, is listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List of Threatened Species.”Keeping tabs on this highly mobile species for conservation efforts can be extremely challenging, especially for extended periods of time. The ornate eagle ray is found on muddy bays and banks as well as on coral reefs. Habitat of the Eagle Ray. Traditionally such caught fish have mostly been discarded, but they are sometimes retained for human consumption. Eagle rays are found in shallow inshore waters close, but not too close to the shore. In general, eagle rays as a whole are vulnerable to accidental capture in commercial fishing operations. Habitat. Alimentation Examples are bays and coral reefs. This process is painless, and similar to clipping a fingernail. They are known to aggregate at feeding grounds seasonally. Eagle ray are found all over the world in tropical, coastal waters. In Costa Rica, they are most commonly spotted off the west coast – in diving hotspots like Playa del Coco, Cano Island, and Cocos Island. Aetobatus narinari spends most of its time around 60 m deep but may dive up 80 m deep. No, generally speaking the average aquarist cannot provide a large enough tank for these creatures to live comfortably. There are a number of different species that inhabit different ecosystems and habitats. Habitat. The spotted eagle ray is commonly observed in bays and over coral reefs as well as the occasional foray into estuarine habitats. They are a bentho-pelagic species, meaning that they are capable of living in the open water column, called the pelagic zone, and also the deepest area of the ocean, called the benthic zone (Schluessel 2008). This species has also been known to inhabit the red sea … [1], The New Zealand eagle ray is a cartilaginous fish with a roughly circular disc-like body, a projecting frog-like head, large fleshy pectoral fins and a long tail armed with a spine that is capable of injecting venom. [1] In June 2018 the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified the New Zealand eagle ray as "Not Threatened" with the qualifiers "Data Poor" and "Secure Overseas" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. They can occasionally be found as deep as 6,000 ft., but for the most part remain towards the surface of the open ocean. 11-jul-2015 - Information on the habitat, reproduction and general traits of the spotted eagle ray in Costa Rica. Others inhabit coral reefs or habitats close to shore. Geographic Range. Another important species is the bat eagle ray, M. californica, in the Pacific Ocean. Habitat. Subsequently, in 1881, the Australian zoologist William John Macleay described Myliobatis australis from the waters of Southern Australia as a new species. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. Species: Eagle Rays. While previous studies have found that whitespotted eagle rays are influenced by tidal cycles, this study did not find any tidal patterns in ray habitat use or distribution. ; An eagle ray's stinger secretes venom that causes intense pain, often followed by bacterial infection. Spotted eagle rays are currently in the lower risk/near threatened category on the IUCN Red List. Unfortunately, sometimes A. narinari is killed in an attempt to prevent over feeding on shellfish that would have otherwise been farmed and used for a profit (Beautiful Oceans 2014, Richards 2009). Habitat. Aetobatus narinari (spotted eagle ray) is globally distributed throughout tropical and warm temperate waters as far north as North Carolina, U.S.A. in the summer and as far south as Brazil. These sharks also avoid colder seas, and are normally found in tropical or warm-temperate oceans. The whitespotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), found in estuaries and lagoons throughout Florida, is listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List of Threatened Species.”Keeping tabs on this highly mobile species for conservation efforts can be extremely challenging, especially for extended periods of time. Habitat. Habitat and Ecology. 10% of profits from your purchase will go directly toward the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium's Sharks & Rays Conservation Research Program, to study the conservation, ecology and movement patterns of spotted eagle rays in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. In the Indo-West Pacific, it occurs in the Red Sea and from South Africa to Hawaii, including north to Japan and south to Australia. They eat other animals like clams and oysters by crushing the shells with their plate-like teeth. Habitat: This semipelagic species occurs mainly in coastal waters, over sand bottom, seagrass beds, or near coral assemblages, but it has also been observed offshore. Visit the South Pacific island of Moorea and watch the spotted eagle ray, the manta ray, and the stingray, also see a group of scientists trying to study the tiger sharks. They inhabit warm temperate and tropical waters, sometimes in great abundance. Each with their own unique pattern of white spots! Despite conservation concerns for the species, its vertical habitat use and diving behaviour remain unknown. The spotted eagle ray lives mostly among rocky and muddy coral reefs and likes to spend the majority of its time in waters between 6-80 feet in depth. In the western Atlantic Ocean, it is found in waters off North Carolina and Florida (U.S.), Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda south to Brazil. Humans also capture many different Toucan species for the exotic pet trade. It resembles a duck bill, its pointy shape is perfect for scooping sand. Learn about tiger sharks and various types of rays, including the spotted eagle ray, the manta ray, and the stingray. Habitat. Most can be fed a diet of fish and shellfish. These fishes like to stay in the coastal areas of reefs and bays. They like their own company but will also often travel in large groups to cross open water. The spotted eagle ray has a tail that is 4 times longer than the body, longer than any other rays, their tails also have 2-6 venomous spines behind their pelvic fins. Eagle rays are believed to live for as long as 25 years. The spotted eagle ray also resides in the waters of the eastern Pacific Oc… Each species has different preferred prey, and their ranges dictate what available food is consumed. Habitat. Spotted eagle rays, like all eagle rays, are active swimmers and do not lie motionless on the seafloor, like the closely related whiptail stingrays (e.g., s outhern stingray). Due to the poor quality of its flesh, the spotted eagle ray is rarely eaten. Aetobatus narinari is found throughout the world's tropical and warm-temperate waters, but genetic analysis indicates it should be considered as two or three separate species. DVDFr.com est la première base de données sur les DVD, les Blu-ray et les UHD édités en France. First insights into the vertical habitat use of the whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari revealed by pop-up satellite archival tags . Many species can grow to be quite large, and they require fresh fish and shellfish in their diet. These creatures are regarded as a shy, cautious species with divers and difficult to approach because they tend to move away from them. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Humans have not domesticated Toucans in any way. This shape makes them more adapted for swift swimming and a pelagic lifestyle. Depending on the species, they can give birth to up to six young at a time. Many species are known to congregate in areas of cold-water upwelling, where increased nutrient levels result in higher prey concentration. Usually, the ray is a solitary predator, but it sometimes swims in large groups. The spotted eagle ray has a tail that is 4 times longer than the body, longer than any other rays, their tails also have 2-6 venomous spines behind their pelvic fins. As traditionally defined, spotted eagle rays are found globally in tropical regions from the Indo-Pacific region from the western Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the western Atlantic Ocean. Different families inhabit different habitats. While the golden eagles like to be fed on turtles. Human interaction varies based upon the species. The spotted eagle ray has an angular body disc with pointed, wing-like pectoral fins and a distinctive, spotted pattern on its back. Eagle rays differ from other stingrays in their behavior and feeding habits. The spines, of which there are usually 2 to 6, are not smooth, but instead have curved lateral teeth, a forked root, and a barbed tip. Local site fidelity, as well as local and regional movements are unknown. Most stingrays are benthic fishes, which means that they live on or near the bottom. Some species are more threatened by human activity than others. Conservation efforts are in place as many areas have recognized these animals value in ecotourism. Spotted Eagle Rays are rarely used for their meat since the flesh is such poor quality and there are very few places that will serve any type of string ray meat. Does the Toucan Make a Good Pet. The larger the species, the larger the tank must be. The spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) is a cartilaginous fish belonging to the eagle ray family of stingrays.Its common name comes from its distinctive spots, fins that flap like wings, and protruding snout that resembles an eagle's beak or duck's bill. Each species differs, but the vast majority of species are actually quite social. The range varies by species. Concerning eagle habitat, the bad inare heavily found in almost all the states of USA around rivers, lakes and sea sides. These rays can grow extremely large, up to 1.8 m (6 ft) including the tail. Some species are more common, and thus less impacted, but for others human activity is more detrimental. This ray can be found from Mauritania to Angola in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is often seen in beach areas as well as estuaries and mangrove swamps throughout tropical regions of the world. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, both spotted eagle ray species have conservation status, as they are endangered by unsustainable fishing and habitat … Therefore, they don´t represent a real threat for divers as long as they are left alone to enjoy their natural habitat without any difficulty. Members of this family can be easily identified by their long tails and rhomboid-shaped bodies. By means of electro-sensory organs on the head, it is able to detect prey completely submerged in sand or mud; a jet of water is blown out of the gill slits, exposing the mollusc or other prey. NEWS: Eagle Ray Moves into New Offices. While swimming along, whale sharks prefer shallower depths. No eagle ray species have been domesticated in any way. They are foraging predators and are known to eat a variety of invertebrate and fish prey. Before they are born, the young feed on the egg yolks, and later on exudations from the maternal uterus. The “National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds” states that bald eagles' habitat often coincides with that of the osprey, since both species prefer to be close to water. White determined that the two are synonymous, and that M. australis is a junior synonym of M. The eagle Ray can also jump out and across the surface of the water. The flattened disc-shaped body of a Spotted Eagle Ray measures up to 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) in width (Bester 2014). It has 5 gill slits on its underside next to where the main body and the wings connect. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Eagle rays are found in shallow inshore waters close, but not too close to the shore. Some species live in freshwater environments like rivers, and other live only in salt water. These beautiful rays are generally shy of humans. Group sizes can vary from a few individuals to hundreds of animals, depending on the species and time of year. It is a common species and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern". The spotted eagle ray is distributed worldwide in tropical and warm temperate waters. When it has found food, it will use its strong jaw muscles to move its hard, chevron shaped crushing plates to crush any shells on its food to get the flesh out. Spotted eagle rays can be found in warm, temperate, waters worldwide in shallow coastal water near coral reefs and bays. Species in this family are normally found in the open ocean, rather than on the bottom, and tend to be rather large. The snout of the eagle ray is a structural adaptation that helps with the behavioural adaptation of digging in the sand for food. Aetobatus narinari is a larger species of ray that live in tropical and temperate oceans over the globe. Eagle Ray is a rapidly growing, woman owned business specializing in strategic transformation services. Scientists believe they occur on the inner continental shelf to depths of 110m, feeding mainly on snails, mussels and crustaceans, using their hard teeth to crush the shells. The New Zealand eagle ray or Australian eagle ray (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus) is an eagle ray of the family Myliobatidae, found in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs around New Zealand and southern Australia on the inner continental shelf. Spotted Eagle Ray. It is a common species and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern". They feed mainly on bivalves, but may also eat shrimp, crabs, octopus, worms, whelks, and small fishes. The dorsal surface is olive-green, dark brown or yellowish, with grey or pale blue markings, and the ventral surface is white. Baby eagle rays are called “pups.”. Domestication. Eagle Ray Moves into New Offices FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 9, 2019 Eagle Ray, Inc. has announced that it has leased new office space in Chantilly, Virginia at 14155 Newbrook Dr., Suite 130. The spotted eagle ray and its relatives are known as eagle rays due to the peculiar shape of their snouts – which are round and pointed at the tip, resembling a bird’s beak. The Ocellated Eagle Ray mainly feeds on molluscs, but also on crustaceans and worms. The spotted eagle ray has an angular body disc with pointed, wing-like pectoral fins and a distinctive, spotted pattern on its back. It prefers warm water with soft bottoms consisting usually of mud, sand and gravel. Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) are also commonly sighted in large schools in small lagoons such as like Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Stingrays are disk-shaped and have flexible, tapering tails armed, in most species, with one or more saw-edged, venomous spines. They range in size, but many species can be quite large. Species Name: Aetobatus narinari Common Name: Spotted eagle ray Habitat: Coral reefs and estuaries globally Conservation Status: Near threatened Fun Fact: Spotted eagle rays use their snout-like rostrum to dig into the sand and mud for food. The spotted eagle ray can be found in tropical and temperate warm waters across the globe, from the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern Atlantic and Indo-Pacific (FLMNH). It is usually found on the inner continental shelf, on sandy flats and seagrass meadows, in estuaries and bays and near rocky reefs. Local site fidelity, local and regional movements are unknown. The Ocellated Eagle Ray mainly feeds on molluscs, but also on crustaceans and worms. The favorite eagle diet consists of fishes. The vast majority of species live in tropical, subtropical, or temperate oceans. Manta rays, also known as “devil rays,” or “devilfish,” are large members of the eagle ray family. This fish is present in a number of marine protected areas and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern". Some species have a sharp-edged serrated spine at the base of the Spotted Eagle Ray. The “National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds” states that bald eagles' habitat often coincides with that of the osprey, since both species prefer to be close to water.