Ocellated eagle ray
📖 Overview
Found in coastal waters , including estuarine habitats . Can grow over 3 m disc width and up to 880 cm total length if the long tail is undamaged . Feeds mainly on hard-shelled bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as hermit crabs, whelks, oysters, clams and large molluscs , crustraceans, worms, octopuses and fishes . Ovoviviparous . Size at maturity for males 100-130 cm WD, females ca. 150-160 cm WD and size at birth highly variable 18 cm to at least 50 cm WD. Females produce litters up to 10 pups, usually 4 or less . Common catch of the demersal tangle net, bottom trawl, inshore gillnet and, to a lesser extent, demersal longline fisheries. Utilized for its meat and cartilage . Tail used as a decorative item . Flesh edible .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This large species is distinguished by the following characters: dorsal surfaces with a dark greenish grey base coloration, variably white spotted, rarely ocellated; different NADH2 gene structure; relatively long tail with mean total length 281% DW, mean anterior cloaca to tail tip 230.2% DW; stinging spines relatively long with mean length of first spine 9.7%DW; teeth plates are in a single row, those in the lower jaw chevron-shaped; pectoral fin radials about 102-116, excluding proterygial radials anterior of eyes; 99-101 total vertebral centra, including synarcual .: other; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ocellated eagle ray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 1 - 100 m , usually 20 - 25 m . Tropical West Pacific: East Africa, including the Red Sea to Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
hard-shelled bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as hermit crabs, whelks, oysters, clams and large mo
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Aetobatus Ocellatus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 154 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ocellated eagle ray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
👥 Community & Contribute
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