Characteristics and Behavior:
Spotted eagle rays are large cartilaginous fish with a flattened body, elongated pectoral fins that can reach 9 feet in wingspan, and a long, whip-like tail. Like all eagle rays, they are active swimmers and do not lie motionless on the seafloor, instead preferring to roam across open water in small schools called a "fever". They are named for the white spots on their dorsal surface, which contrast with their dark blue-black coloration and help camouflage them against the variety of habitats this species visits. Spotted eagle rays are known for their graceful and acrobatic swimming, often leaping out of the water and performing elegant barrel rolls.
Habitat:
- Spotted Eagle Rays are distributed in warm tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
- Their range includes the Western Atlantic Ocean, from the eastern United States (including Florida) through the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and extends to the eastern Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
- They inhabit a variety of coastal and offshore environments, with a preference for coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds.
- Florida's diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, provide ideal habitats for these rays, making them important components of the state's marine biodiversity.
Lifecycle:
- Spotted Eagle Rays have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
- They reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 6 years of age, with females being larger than males.
- Reproduction involves internal fertilization, with females giving birth to live young (usually 1 to 4 pups) after a gestation period of 12 months.
Fun Facts:
- Unique Feeding Strategy: Spotted Eagle Rays are primarily bottom feeders, using their flattened, plate-like teeth to crush mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish found in the sand and sediment.
- Group Travelers: These rays are often observed in loose aggregations, with several individuals swimming together. They are also known for their long migrations and ability to cover significant distances.
- Threat to Lionfish: Spotted Eagle Rays have been observed preying on invasive lionfish species, providing a natural control mechanism to help reduce the impact of lionfish on native reef ecosystems.
