Myliobatis freminvillei, commonly known as the Freminville’s eagle ray, is a species of ray belonging to the family Myliobatidae. This large and distinctive ray is a fascinating inhabitant of tropical and subtropical waters, showcasing an array of unique characteristics and playing an important role in its marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Myliobatis freminvillei is a striking ray with a flattened, diamond-shaped body and large, wing-like pectoral fins. Its snout is short and rounded, and its eyes are prominent and positioned on the top of the head. The ray’s tail is slender and whip-like, and it bears a prominent spine near its base, which is used for defense. The dorsal surface of the ray is typically grayish-brown in color, while the ventral surface is lighter. Myliobatis freminvillei is capable of reaching a maximum size of 129.0 cm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Myliobatis freminvillei is found in a variety of marine habitats, including coastal waters, estuaries, and open ocean. They prefer depths ranging from the surface to 100.0 meters. The species is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Myliobatis freminvillei is primarily an inhabitant of neritic zones, which are the shallow waters near coastlines. The ray’s wide distribution and adaptability to different habitats contribute to its significant role in the marine ecosystem.
Taxonomy
Myliobatis freminvillei belongs to a diverse and fascinating group of cartilaginous fishes known as rays, belonging to the Class: Elasmobranchii. This class, which includes sharks, skates, and rays, is distinguished by their cartilaginous skeletons, gill slits on the underside of their bodies, and specialized sensory systems. Myliobatis freminvillei further falls within the Order: Myliobatiformes, which encompasses a variety of rays, including eagle rays, cownose rays, and manta rays. This order is defined by its distinctive flattened body shape, large pectoral fins, and specialized mouth adaptations. Finally, Myliobatis freminvillei is part of the Family: Myliobatidae, which comprises a diverse group of rays, including the well-known eagle rays. These rays are known for their large, wing-like pectoral fins, their flattened, diamond-shaped bodies, and their sharp, pointed snouts.
Feeding
Myliobatis freminvillei is a carnivorous ray, primarily feeding on a variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates, such as crabs, shrimp, and clams. The ray’s powerful jaws and flat teeth are well-adapted for crushing and grinding its prey. Myliobatis freminvillei is a significant predator in its ecosystem, helping to regulate populations of invertebrates and contributing to the overall health of its marine habitat.
Image References