Ornate Eagle Ray, Aetomylaeus vespertilio (Bleeker, 1852)

Scientific name: Aetomylaeus vespertilio
Ornate Eagle Ray, Aetomylaeus vespertilio Click to enlarge image
An Ornate Eagle Ray, Aetomylaeus vespertilio, at a depth of 21m, Pixie Gardens, Ribbon Reefs, Queensland, 15 June 2010. Image: William White
© William White

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Aetomylaeus
    Species
    vespertilio
    Family
    Myliobatidae
    Order
    Myliobatiforme
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    1.6 m disc with and 3.85 m total length (the fish in the video was reported to be larger)

Introduction

The Ornate Eagle Ray has a complex pattern of lines and reticulations on the upper surface of the disc. The tail lacks a spine.

Distribution

It is known from Taiwan, Indonesia and northern Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513, Pl. 1-84.