This is the Aetobatus narinari or Spotted Eagle Ray
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This is the beautiful Spotted Eagle Ray, Aetobatus narinari, that glides so effortlessly in our waters.
In fact, in Hawaii, we call it hīhīmanu which translates to “magnificent or elegent bird”. It is always such a treat to see these graceful rays cruising by. The rays eyes and gill slits are on the sides of itʻs head and they have a unique pattern of white spots along their black body that are comparable to our fingerprints. They can be spotted in waters from 6-80 feet deep.
In ancient Hawaii they were considered a delicacy, and women were forbidden from consuming them.
They have triangular shaped wings that can span from 6 to 10 feet from tip to tip and a body length of about 4-7 feet not including itʻs whip like tail. The tail can actually be twice as long as the body making the total length anywhere from 12-25 feet. They weigh between 400-500 pounds and have a tapered snout that is shaped like a shovel that they use to dig in the sand to feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Like sharks, rays are cartilaginous fish with no bones. They also have sensitive electroreceptors that help with communication, navigation, or to scan the ocean floor for food. The mouth has unique teeth or papillae on the floor and the roof of itʻs mouth to help seperate shells from the meat.
The eagle ray reaches maturity at 4-6 years old.
Once they can reproduce, they have a 12 month gestation period. The female will give birth to 2-4 pups. Rays are known to leap out of the water. It is suggested that this can help pregnant females facilitate the birthing process. It can also be a means of communication, an escape from predators, aid in dislodging parasites, or just plain fun! Here is a fun fact, they have one of the largest brain to body ratios of any fish.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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