Purple eagle ray
📖 Overview
Common inshore and offshore, demersal in intertidal habitats to depths of at least 220 m ; also in coral reefs . Diet unknown, but presumably consists primarily of bivalves and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Caught occasionally by inshore, demersal longline fisheries. Utilized for its meat and cartilage . Ovoviviparous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 114 - 119. This medium-sized Myliobatis species (attaining at least 114.2 cm DW) is distinguished by the following set of characters: dorsal surface uniformly purplish brown to greenish brown, without dark spots or blotches; tail with a distinct, low ventral skin fold; stinging spine(s) are relatively long (longest spine 13.1-15.9% DW); adult males with interorbital space moderately concave; anterior margins of pectoral fin is straight to slightly convex; cranial fontanelle (visible in dorsal view without dissection) is relatively wide with slightly convex lateral margins; claspers of adult males 5.5-5.7% DW; predorsal length 63.6-68.6% DW; each jaw with 7 rows of teeth, with a broad median row flanked by three smaller rows on each side; pectoral-fin radials 85-92 (excluding rostral propterygial radials anterior of eyes); total vertebral centra (including synarcual) 114-119; males mature at about 65.0 cm DW .Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Purple eagle ray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Purple eagle ray is currently being compiled.
🥚 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; benthopelagic; depth range 200 - ? m . Deep-water; 17°S - 26°S West Pacific: patchy distribution, Austalia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Purple eagle ray 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
Detailed nutritional data for Purple eagle ray is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Purple eagle ray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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