Strange and beautiful spotted eagle ray overturns rocks for food

3 months ago
1.65K

Spotted eagle rays are beautiful stingrays with very distinctive heads and ornate markings. For any scuba diver or snorkeler, they are a treat to see in the ocean. Usually shy and reclusive, watching one eating is a rare sight. This eagle ray seemed to be unconcerned with nearby scuba divers who kept a respectful distance and watched it in action. Eagle rays use their electro sensory organs in their snout to detect crustaceans and mollusks buried beneath the sand and rocks. They inhale the animals and the sand and then expel the sand out through their gills. They are capable of crushing thick shells in their mouth in order to get at the creature within.
Eagle rays are highly intelligent, and occasionally curious about humans who approach slowly or wait patiently for the eagle ray to approach.
This ray is hunting for mollusks or crabs under the lava rocks in the Galapagos Islands. The ray has a distinctive tail injury that makes it easily recognizable. It has been seen in these waters for several years, swimming gracefully on the strong currents that flow through the islands.

Loading 2 comments...