Spotted Eagle Ray

Photo: michel candel · CC BY-NC-SA

Spotted eagle rays are a near-constant presence along the Matemo Wall, typically appearing as small groups of 3 to 8 individuals flying in formation along the mid-water column at 15 to 25 metres. These graceful rays are among the most visually striking animals in the archipelago, their white-spotted dark dorsal surface and extended wing-like pectoral fins creating an impression of effortless flight. The wall's current-swept character concentrates their mollusc prey in the sandy patches between coral buttresses, and eagle rays regularly descend to the base of the wall to excavate buried prey with their distinctive flat snouts.