The rays are considered near threatened on the IUCN Red List. The spotted eagle ray is hunted by a wide variety of sharks. These rays are commonly observed leaping out of the water, and on at least two occasions have been reported as having jumped into boats, in one incident resulting in the death of a woman in the Florida Keys. Spotted eagle rays commonly feed on small fish and crustaceans, and will sometimes dig with their snouts to look for food buried in the sand of the sea bed. Near the base of the ray's relatively long tail, just behind the pelvic fins, are several venomous, barbed stingers. This ray can be identified by its dark dorsal surface covered in white spots or rings. They are ovoviviparous, the female retaining the eggs then releasing the young as miniature versions of the parent. Spotted eagle rays are most commonly seen alone, but occasionally swim in groups. ocellatus) and Pacific white-spotted eagle ray ( A. Recent authorities have restricted it to the Atlantic (including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico) with other populations recognized as the ocellated eagle ray ( A. As traditionally recognized, it is found globally in tropical regions, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The spotted eagle ray ( Aetobatus narinari) is a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, Aetobatidae. Range of spotted eagle ray as traditionally recognized, but see text
