Cartilaginous Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ELASMOBRANCHII

-Sharks and Rays (Subclass Neoselachii)

-Rays (Infraclass Batoidea)

-Stingrays (Order Myliobatiformes)

-Painted Rays (Family Aetobatidae)

-Painted Rays (Genus Aetobatus)

-Eastern Pacific Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus laticeps)

The Eastern Pacific Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus laticeps) is a striking and graceful species of ray found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, primarily along the coasts of Central and South America, from the Gulf of California to Peru. Known for its distinct pattern of white spots on a dark background. Typically reaches a wingspan of around 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters), though some individuals can grow larger.

Diet

Primarily feeds on bivalves, clams, oysters, snails, crabs, shrimp, hermit crabs, and other benthic invertebrates.
Occasionally consumes octopus, polychaete worms, and small fishes.
Uses its broad pectoral fins to stir up sand while searching for prey, then crushes hard-shelled animals with powerful, flattened tooth plates.

Range

Native to the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Gulf of California and the Pacific coast of Mexico south through Central America to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands.
Common along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is encountered in coastal bays, reefs, and estuaries.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal waters, sandy bays, coral and rocky reefs, lagoons, estuaries, seagrass beds, and mangrove channels.
Usually found from shallow inshore waters to depths of about 80 m (260 ft), although it is most common in water less than 30 m (100 ft) deep.
Often seen swimming gracefully just above the seabed or cruising through open coastal waters, either alone or in small groups.

Size