What Divers Should Know About Eagle Ray

Observing an eagle ray glide gracefully through the water is often a highlight for divers. These large, cartilaginous fishes are easily identified by their distinct, rhomboidal bodies and long tails, setting them apart from other ray species. Unlike many bottom-dwelling rays, eagle rays primarily inhabit the open ocean, often seen cruising near or over reefs rather than resting on the seabed.

These impressive animals can reach substantial sizes, with wingspans recorded up to 7 meters (23 feet) and lengths up to 5.1 meters (16.7 feet). An excellent swimmer, the eagle ray hunts mollusks and crustaceans, using specialized flattened teeth to crush the shells of its prey. They are also ovoviviparous, giving birth to up to six live young at a time. While not a typical dive observation, they are renowned for their remarkable ability to breach the water, sometimes leaping several meters clear of the surface.