Whilst crossing from Greater Farasan Island to Segid Island we saw a single large Spotted Eagle Ray Aetobatus narinari from the road bridge. This is a large species of ray distinguished by a long snout, flat and rounded like a ducks bill, a thik head, and a pectoral disc with sharply curved, angular corners. Numerous white spots on black or bluish disc; white below with long whip-like tail, with a long spine near the base behind small dorsal fin. Commonly found in shallow inshore waters such as bays and coral reefs. Benthopelagic, found near land at 1-60 m and sometimes enters estuaries. Swims close to the surface, occasionally leaping out of the water. Feeds mainly on bivalves but also eats shrimps, crabs, octopus and worms, whelks, and small fishes. Exhibit ovoviparity with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures. Bears young in litters of 2-4.
