The Bull Ray – Aetomylaeus bovinus is a species of ray found in the marine waters of the world. It is a large, powerful ray that is known for its distinctive appearance and predatory habits.
Description & Characteristics
The Aetomylaeus bovinus is a robust, large ray with a distinctive diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc that can reach a maximum size of 222.0 cm. Its body is flattened and covered in rough, granular skin. The Bull Ray has a long, whip-like tail with a venomous spine that can inflict a painful sting. Its mouth is located on the ventral side of the head and contains rows of sharp, flat teeth suitable for crushing its prey. The Aetomylaeus bovinus possesses a distinctive coloration pattern with a dark grey to brown dorsal surface and a lighter grey to white ventral surface. This coloration provides camouflage, blending in with the seafloor and making it difficult for prey to detect.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Aetomylaeus bovinus is a bottom-dwelling ray that prefers sandy or muddy substrates. It can be found in a variety of marine habitats, including coastal waters, estuaries, and continental shelves. Its depth range is from 10.0 to 150.0 meters, allowing it to inhabit both shallow and deeper waters. This adaptable species is commonly found in temperate and tropical waters, favoring areas with a moderate to high salinity level. The Aetomylaeus bovinus is considered a common species throughout its distribution range, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Aetomylaeus bovinus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, which includes all sharks, rays, and skates. It is classified within the Order: Myliobatiformes, which encompasses the eagle rays and their relatives. The Aetomylaeus bovinus is further categorized within the Family: Myliobatidae, a diverse group of rays characterized by their wing-like pectoral fins and often possessing a venomous spine on their tails.
Feeding
The Aetomylaeus bovinus is a predatory ray with a diet primarily consisting of benthic invertebrates. Its powerful jaws and sharp teeth are well-suited for crushing and consuming its prey. Common food items include clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crabs, fish (little fishes), hermit crabs, schrimps, sepia, and sponges. The Aetomylaeus bovinus uses its keen sense of smell and electroreceptors to locate its prey buried within the sediment. It uses its pectoral fins to dig through the substrate, uncovering its prey. This feeding strategy allows the Aetomylaeus bovinus to play a significant role in the ecosystem, maintaining a balance within its benthic communities.
Image References