The ornate eagle ray or reticulate eagle ray (''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'') is a species of large stingray of the family Myliobatidae.

Appearance

''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'' has a maximum size of around 240 cm in disc width and a clearly distinct pattern of reticulate dark lines and rings on its back. If the extremely long tail is unbroken, it can considerably add to the maximum body length of 4m. Lacking a spine on the tail, it is deemed harmless to humans.

Distribution

''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'' can be spotted up to 110 meters deep along the coasts of

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, and

Thailand Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is bo ...

. Despite the wide range it can be spotted at, it is rarely observed, and has been suspected to have had a large population decline within the past three generations. Currently, this species is considered Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Threats

''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'' are estimated to have a low fecundity similar to other myliobatids. They have a generation length of 15 years, and can grow as old as 24 years. Although ''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'' was once common, they are now considered rare in areas such as the Gulf of Thailand. The largest threats they encounter are demersal fisheries, which are used frequently in the areas they live in. When caught, they are mostly retained and sold in fish markets. No species-specific conservation measures have taken place. Pups This species is viviparous which means the egg is hatched inside the mother and is live birth is done and about four to six pups are usually born and no parental care is done, so the pups are born and ready to fend for themselves. Self Defense Even though this species may have no barb on its tail it has the ability to jump just like the spotted eagleray and is able to swim fast to get away from predators such as the Great Hammerhead Shark, Blacktip reef shark and the Tiger shark.

References

Sources

* Debelius, H. 2006, "Indian Ocean Reef Guide" * McGrouther, M. 2018, Australian museum website
Ornate Eagle Ray, Aetomylaeus vespertilio (Bleeker, 1852)
* Araujo, G., et al. 2018. "Citizen science sheds light on the cryptic ornate eagle ray ''Aetomylaeus vespertilio''"

External links

Species Description of Aetomylaeus vespertilio at www.shark-references.com
* {{Taxonbar, from=Q4550289 Aetomylaeus Fish described in 1852 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot