Aetomylaeus vespertilio

(Bleeker, 1852)

Vernacular names
English : Ornate eagle ray
French : Raie-aigle ornée

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Myliobatiformes
Family : Myliobatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to at least 240 cm in length and probably even bigger. Triangular pointed snout, shorter than for Aetobatus. Coloration is grey brown on first half of body with horizontal wavy black lines. Back half black with grey spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from the Red Sea and East Africa to south Japan and north Australia, mostly in scattered localities. Lives in coral reefs and muddy areas inshore, down to 110 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is vulnerable to overexploitation in many parts of its range. It is targeted by unregulated fisheries and declining around South East Asia.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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