Aetobatus narinari
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
April - November
Depth Range
3-80 meters
The spotted eagle ray is one of Komodo's most elegant marine animals, instantly recognisable by its dark dorsal surface covered in white spots and its distinctive duck-billed snout. These powerful swimmers move through the water with slow, graceful wingbeats and are often seen cruising mid-water along reef walls or over sandy slopes. In Komodo, spotted eagle rays are regularly encountered at deeper reef sites and current-swept channels where they search for their favourite prey of molluscs and crustaceans hidden in the sand. They use their specialised snout to dig into the substrate and their powerful plate-like teeth to crush hard shells. While typically solitary or in pairs, small groups of up to a dozen individuals can occasionally be observed at favoured feeding grounds. Their long whip-like tail carries venomous spines near the base, though they pose no threat to respectful divers who maintain proper distance.
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Average Size
1.5-2m wingspan
Size Range
1-3m wingspan
Maximum Size
3m wingspan, 5m total length
Feeds primarily on hard-shelled molluscs, clams, oysters, and crustaceans. Uses its flattened snout to dig prey from sandy substrates and crushes shells with powerful plate-like dental plates.
The spotted eagle ray is one of Komodo's most elegant marine animals, instantly recognisable by its dark dorsal surface covered in white spots and its distinctive duck-billed snout. These powerful swimmers move through the water with slow, graceful wingbeats and are often seen cruising mid-water along reef walls or over sandy slopes. In Komodo, spotted eagle rays are regularly encountered at deeper reef sites and current-swept channels where they search for their favourite prey of molluscs and crustaceans hidden in the sand. They use their specialised snout to dig into the substrate and their powerful plate-like teeth to crush hard shells. While typically solitary or in pairs, small groups of up to a dozen individuals can occasionally be observed at favoured feeding grounds. Their long whip-like tail carries venomous spines near the base, though they pose no threat to respectful divers who maintain proper distance.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They carry venomous spines on their tail but are not aggressive toward divers. Maintain respectful distance and never attempt to touch or grab the tail.
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