Spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Sighting evidence at Timbebas Reef, Abrolhos Banks
Photo: marinaleitemarques · CC BY-NC
Spotted eagle rays glide over the sandy plateaus between chapeirão structures at Timbebas, using their fleshy snouts to excavate mollusks and crustaceans buried in the substrate. They are frequently seen in small groups of 3 to 8 individuals, spiraling lazily above the bottom before climbing to midwater where they move with an effortless, winged grace. Their striking white-spotted dorsal pattern makes identification easy and photographs instantly recognizable.
Evidence at this site
1 record within 25 km
Confidence: low