Spotted Eagle Ray

The newsletter of Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) featured the spotted eagle ray as the species of the month. Read all of the articles in the newsletter by clicking here.

Commonly seen in tropical and warm temperate waters, spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) can be observed in bays and over coral reefs, but spend most of their time swimming in schools, “flying” gracefully via the undulation of their pectoral fins.

They have numerous spots and circular white markings over a dark body and a white underside. The head is characterized by a flattened, tapered snout and they have a very long whip-like tail.

They feed mainly on bivalves but also eat shrimp, crabs, octopus, worms and small fishes. While snorkeling in Akumal Bay, you might be lucky enough to come across one. Please do not follow them, and keep at least three-meters distance. Thanks!

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Comúnmente vista en climas tropicales y aguas calidas. Puedes ser vistan en bahías y sobre arrecifes coralinos, pero pasan la mayor parte del tiempo nadando en escuelas, “volando” por la ondulación de sus aletas.

Ellas tienen numerosos lunares y marcas blancas sobre su cuerpo obscuro y blanco a los costados. Su cabeza se caracteriza por ser algo plana, un hosico y una gran cola delgada. Ellas se alimentan de cangrejos, camarones, pulpos, gusanos y pequeños peces.

Practicando snorkel en Akumal, con suerte puedes ver una pasar. Por favor no las persigas y manten una distancia prudente de ellas. Gracias.