Each print on the back and wings of a spotted eagle ray is unique!
Many divers would agree that spotted eagle rays are some of the most graceful and photogenic creatures in the sea. Each with a unique print on its back and wings, similar to a fingerprint. Reaching widths approaching 11 feet, these giant stealth gliders slice through the water with ease. They also jump out of the water occasionally. In fact, there is even a case from the Florida Keys where a woman died when a spotted eagle ray jumped out of the water and hit her while she was on a boat. To be clear, spotted eagle rays do not pose a serious threat to humans, this was a rare event.
I remember following this spotted eagle ray around during most of my dive on Molasses Reef. It kept making the same loop. I was no match for the speed of the eagle ray, so I would just position myself along the loop, and wait for the spotted eagle ray to show up.
Did you know? Sharks will follow pregnant spotted eagle rays during birthing season, in order to feed on the newborn pups.
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