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Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus, 1758) Common eagle ray |
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photo by
Murch, A. |
Family: | Myliobatidae (Eagle and manta rays) | |||
Max. size: | 183 cm WD (male/unsexed); max.weight: 15 kg | |||
Environment: | benthopelagic; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 300 m | |||
Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic: Madeira, Morocco and the Canary Islands north to the western coasts of Ireland and British Isles and the southwestern North Sea, south to Natal, South Africa. Also throughout the Mediterranean. | |||
Diagnosis: | A plain eagleray with a short, rounded snout; disc with broadly angular corners, and upper or lower jaw usually with 7 rows of plate-like teeth (Ref. 5578). Brown or blackish dorsally, white ventrally (Ref. 5578). No caudal fin (Ref. 5578). | |||
Biology: | Found in shallow lagoons (Ref. 3965), bays and estuaries; also offshore down to at least 95 m (Ref. 5578). Often found in groups (Ref. 5578). Feeds on benthic crustaceans, mollusks and fish. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Gestation period of 6-8 months, the females give birth to 3-7 young (Ref. 35388). Caught by shore and ski-boat anglers, usually released after capture (Ref. 5578). Flesh is highly esteemed (Ref. 3965). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 04 August 2020 (A2bd) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |