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Eagle Ray

Marine life profile

Eagle Ray

Recorded at 2283 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Eagle Ray around the world

The eagle rays are a group of cartilaginous fishes in the family Myliobatidae, consisting mostly of large species living in the open ocean rather than on the sea bottom. It appears to fly underwater, cruising over sand or reef before settling where camouflage makes it easy to miss.

Dive sites2283
Countries74
Animal groupRays
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for a flattened body with wing-like fins, eyes on top and a long tail trailing behind.

How It Behaves

It appears to fly underwater, cruising over sand or reef before settling where camouflage makes it easy to miss.

Special Ability

Its broad fins turn slow-looking movements into remarkably efficient underwater flight.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Approach from the side, remain above the bottom and leave a clear path ahead. Never corner or follow closely.

Safety

Do not touch, stand on or crowd a resting ray. Give the tail room and shuffle carefully in shallow sandy water.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The eagle rays are a group of cartilaginous fishes in the family Myliobatidae, consisting mostly of large species living in the open ocean rather than on the sea bottom.

Where to Find

Search sandy flats, cleaning stations, reef passes and current-swept channels, especially around feeding or cleaning time.

Known countries

MexicoMauritiusCaribbean NetherlandsNew ZealandBarbadosUnited StatesUnited States of America (USA)Puerto RicoEgyptBrazilIndiaMaldivesSint MaartenEcuadorHonduras