White-spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus ocellatus
Silhouette: M Kolmann · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassElasmobranchii
- OrderMyliobatiformes (Stingrays)
- FamilyMyliobatidae (Eagle Rays)
- GenusAetobatus (Painted Rays)
- SpeciesAetobatus ocellatus (White-spotted Eagle Ray)
About the White-spotted Eagle Ray
The ocellated eagle ray or the whitespotted eagle ray, Aetobatus ocellatus, is a species of cartilaginous fish in the eagle ray family Myliobatidae. It is found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific region. In the past it was included in the spotted eagle ray (A. narinari), a species restricted to the Atlantic after the split.
Compared to the spotted eagle ray, A. ocellatus has a longer tail (mean total length 281 vs. 263% DW) and a longer stinging spine (mean length 9.7 vs. 8.9% DW). The background coloration of the dorsal surface in A. ocellatus is dark greenish/greying to almost blackish whereas A. narinari is much paler, medium yellowish to brownish. Their foraging range is based on anthropogenic noises with populations structured according to ontogenetic stage.
The ocellated eagle ray exhibits ovoviviparity with embryos feeding on yolk initially, then receiving additional nutrients from the mother through indirect absorption of enriched uterine fluid. The gestation period lasts over 12 months and only produces a few pups.
The ocellated eagle ray feeds primarily on gastropod, bivalve molluscs, crustaceans, worms, octopuses... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of White-spotted Eagle Ray in Galápagos Islands
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Galápagos Islands
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galápagos Islands | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | |
| 2 | Komodo National Park | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 3 | Raja Ampat | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 4 | Isla del Coco National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 5 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a White-spotted Eagle Ray in Galápagos Islands?
About 60% of wildlife watchers report a White-spotted Eagle Ray sighting in Galápagos Islands, based on 393 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see White-spotted Eagle Ray in Galápagos Islands?
January has the highest sighting rate for White-spotted Eagle Ray in Galápagos Islands in our monthly data.