Aetomylaeus vespertilio (Bleeker, 1852)
Ornate eagle ray
Aetomylaeus vespertilio
photo by Bineesh, K.K.

Family:  Myliobatidae (Eagle and manta rays)
Max. size:  240 cm WD (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 1 - 110 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: scattered localities, from southern Mozambique to the western Pacific.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in muddy bays and banks and on coral reefs from close inshore to 110 m depth (Ref. 9862). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught in bottom trawls, gillnets, seines, and fish traps (Ref. 9862, Ref.58048). Utilized for its meat and cartilage (possibly used as "filler" in shark fin soups as with other large eagle rays) (Ref.58048).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 16 May 2015 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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