The spotted Eagle ray: Jenna Elliott
The Spotted eagle rays live along the open coast in the warm waters all through out the world. This species is usually seen within the coral reefs but will sometimes enter the protected bays to feed or too mate. This species gives live birth to their pups. The eagle rays can have up to 1-4 pups in each litter. These animals have a low reproductive rate. This species is natural rarity. These things contribute to the facts of the spotted eagle ray being near threatened. This species is not being directly targeted but they are captured by accident by being caught in the fish nets in the ocean. They are usually captured alive to be displayed in public aquariums.
Fun facts about the spotted eagle rays:
- spotted eagle rays have venomous spines on their tails that are used in defense against threats.
- the spotted eagle ray can leap their entire bodies out of water while swimming close to the surface.
- spotted eagle rays can be found from the surface to just over 196 feet deep
- spotted eagle rays have plate-like teeth used to crush their preferred prey including clams, oysters, sea urchins and shrimp
ReplyDeleteI was curious about the low reproductive rates and looked it up. The female does not give birth until the juvenile eagle rays can survive on their own, meaning they are pregnant for like a year, only having only one to up to four at a time. Not reproducing multiple times a year and the fact that they get caught up in nets, would explain the low reproductivity. I would think that after all these years of aquatic life getting caught up in nets that there would be alternative methods to use instead.
I love your blog. I am majoring in marine biology and I take heart to these kind of animals. Our coral reefs and our ocean animals are dying and it is causing the population of these animals to reduce. After getting my degree I plan to go out into the ocean and help bring these animals back up to their full potential.
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