Ornate eagle ray facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ornate eagle ray
Photo of a rarely seen ornate eagle ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio), taken at Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll, Maldives (February 2018).
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Aetomylaeus
Species:	vespertilio

The ornate eagle ray or reticulate eagle ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) is a species of large stingray of the family Myliobatidae.

Appearance

Aetomylaeus vespertilio has a maximum size of around 240 cm in disc width and a clearly distinct pattern of reticulate dark lines and rings on its back. If the extremely long tail is unbroken, it can considerably add to the maximum body length of 4m. Lacking a spine on the tail, it is deemed harmless to humans.

Distribution

Aetomylaeus vespertilio can be spotted up to 110 meters deep along the coasts of Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mozambique, Palau, Philippines, Seychelles, South Africa, Taiwan, and Thailand. Despite the wide range it can be spotted at, it is rarely observed, and has been suspected to have had a large population decline within the past three generations. Currently, this species is considered Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There have been fewer than 60 confirmed sighings of Aetomylaeus vespertilio, giving it the nickname 'the unicorn of the sea.'

Threats

Aetomylaeus vespertilio are estimated to have a low fecundity similar to other myliobatids. They have a generation length of 15 years, and can grow as old as 24 years.

Although Aetomylaeus vespertilio was once common, they are now considered rare in areas such as the Gulf of Thailand. The largest threats they encounter are demersal fisheries, which are used frequently in the areas they live in. When caught, they are mostly retained and sold in fish markets. No species-specific conservation measures have taken place.