Myliobatis
Myliobatis is a genus of eagle rays within the family Myliobatidae. These rays are characterized by their large, wing-like pectoral fins, a diamond-shaped body, and a whip-like tail with a venomous spine. They are found in coastal waters and on the continental shelves around the world, often preferring sandy or muddy bottoms.
Common Names
Members of the genus Myliobatis are commonly known as eagle rays, due to their bird-like appearance when swimming. Some species have specific names, such as the common eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila) and the smooth eagle ray (Myliobatis freminvillii).
Characteristics
Myliobatis species share several key characteristics:
- Large pectoral fins: These fins are fused to the head and create a wing-like shape, enabling powerful swimming.
- Diamond-shaped body: Their bodies are flattened dorsoventrally, giving them a distinct diamond shape.
- Whip-like tail: The tail is long and slender, with a venomous spine located near the base.
- Mouth: Their mouths are located on the ventral side of the head and have small, flat teeth suitable for crushing prey.
- Gill slits: They have five pairs of gill slits located on the ventral side of the body.
Environment
Myliobatis species inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are often found near the shore, particularly in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Continental shelves: They can also be found on the continental shelves, where they forage for food.
- Temperate and tropical regions: They are found in both temperate and tropical waters around the world.
References
For more information on Myliobatis, consult the following reliable sources: