How large can a spotted eagle ray grow?

Large individuals can reach a wingspan of around 3 m, a total length (including tail) of up to 5 m, and weigh about 230 kg.

What does a spotted eagle ray eat?

It feeds mainly on bivalves, crabs, whelks, and other mollusks, using chevron-shaped tooth plates to crush hard shells.

Why does the spotted eagle ray jump out of the water?

The exact reason isn't fully understood, but leaping is commonly observed; rays have even landed in boats on at least two documented occasions.

Spotted Eagle Rayマダラトビエイ

Aetobatus narinariEN— Endangered

The spotted eagle ray is a striking, white-spotted ray found in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, known for its long tail, duck-like snout used to dig up buried shellfish, and its habit of leaping clear of the water.

Spotted Eagle Ray (reference photo) — Photo: john norton / CC BY 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Myliobatiformes / Aetobatidae Source
Size: Large individuals have a disc width of around 3 m and a total length including the tail of up to 5 m
Weight: About 230 kg for large individuals
Diet: Carnivore Preys mainly on benthic invertebrates such as bivalves, snails, and crabs, crushing hard shells with its chevron-shaped tooth plates
Distribution: Found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, inhabiting shallow coastal areas near coral reefs and bays down to about 80 m depth, favoring water temperatures of 24-27°C. Source
Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

When foraging, spotted eagle rays use their snouts to dig into the seafloor in search of buried mollusks and crustaceans. Source
These rays are commonly observed leaping out of the water, and on at least two occasions have been reported to have jumped into boats. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5

Kagoshima City AquariumKagoshimaFrom Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the tram (Route 2) to the Suizokukan-guchi stop and walk 8 minutes.

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Osaka Aquarium KaiyukanOsakaOpened in 1990

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Miyajima Public AquariumHiroshimaOpened in 2011

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Kyoto AquariumKyotoAbout a 15-minute walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station.

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Shimane Aquarium AQUASShimaneAbout 12 minutes on foot from JR Hashi Station (2 hours 23 minutes from JR Matsue Station to JR Hashi Station; 1 hour 24 minutes from JR Masuda Station).

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Latest news

Open the news index

白いマダラトビエイ（白変種）【うみたまご】
2026.04.14 ・ Official YouTubeUmitamago Spotted Eagle Ray

Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Endangered (EN)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

How large can a spotted eagle ray grow?: Large individuals can reach a wingspan of around 3 m, a total length (including tail) of up to 5 m, and weigh about 230 kg. Source
What does a spotted eagle ray eat?: It feeds mainly on bivalves, crabs, whelks, and other mollusks, using chevron-shaped tooth plates to crush hard shells. Source
Why does the spotted eagle ray jump out of the water?: The exact reason isn't fully understood, but leaping is commonly observed; rays have even landed in boats on at least two documented occasions. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org