Eagleray

Introduction: Eagle rays (Myliobatus aquila) have distinctive diamond-shaped bodies, over 1½ times wider than it is long. The tail is twice the length of the body. Their skin is smooth and the head is raised above the body. Other features include large eyes and short horns above the eyes on males. There is also a small dorsal fin just behind the pelvic fins. The tail is armed with two serrated spines near the base. Each jaw is equipped with seven rows of teeth. Myliobatus means 'grinding ray' and aquila 'eagle'.

Distribution: All along the Namibian coast including Torra Bay, Terrace Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and Luderitz.

Diet: Sand and rock mussels, crabs, mole crabs and some bony fish species.

Colouration: Chocolate-brown overall body colour with a pale underside.

Breeding: Females give birth to 3 to 7 live young in shallow water after a gestation period of 12 months.

Max size: 150cm disc width

Max weight: 21kg