Aetomylaeus
Aetomylaeus is a genus of eagle rays in the family Myliobatidae. The genus is known for its distinctive, prominent, and heavily calcified rostral cartilage that extends forward from the snout. The name “Aetomylaeus” derives from the Greek words “aetos” (eagle) and “mylos” (millstone), which likely refers to their eagle-like appearance and the shape of their pectoral fins.
Common Names
The members of this genus are commonly known as eagle rays. In specific cases, they are also referred to as:
- Spotted eagle ray
- Cownose ray
- Whitespotted eagle ray
- Fan ray
Characteristics
Members of the Aetomylaeus genus share several key characteristics:
- Disc-shaped body: Their bodies are flattened and disc-shaped, with large, wing-like pectoral fins.
- Prominent rostral cartilage: They have a prominent, heavily calcified rostral cartilage that extends forward from the snout, giving them their distinctive "eagle" appearance.
- Teeth: They have small, pavement-like teeth, well-suited for crushing molluscs and crustaceans.
- Venomous spines: They possess one or two venomous spines on their tails, used for defense.
- Coloration: They typically have a mottled pattern of brown, grey, or white spots on a dark background.
Environment
Aetomylaeus species are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are typically found in shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and reefs. Some species are known to venture into deeper waters.
Species
There are currently four recognized species within the Aetomylaeus genus:
- Aetomylaeus asperrimus (Müller & Henle, 1841)
- Aetomylaeus maculatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
- Aetomylaeus milvus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Aetomylaeus vespertilio (Bleeker, 1852)
References
For further information on the Aetomylaeus genus, please refer to the following sources: