What Is a Common Eagle Ray's Natural Habitat?

The common eagle ray is a member of family Myliobatidae, which includes eagle rays, manta rays and cownose rays. Eagle rays have flat bodies with pectoral fins that resemble wings and a long, whip-like tail. They can measure up to 72 inches wide and weigh more than 30 pounds.

  1. Range

    • The common eagle ray lives in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, along the west coast of Africa, throughout the Mediterranean Sea and north along the west coast of Ireland and into the southwestern part of the North Sea.

    Depth

    • The common eagle ray normally inhabits shallow water, from 1 to 300 meters deep, but often 30 meters or less. Occasionally common eagle rays move into deeper water offshore.

    Sightings

    • As a testament to their love for shallow, coastal waters, eagle ray "wings" are sometimes seen protruding from the water as they feed in the shallows. Occasionally eagle rays leap out of the water.

    Habitat

    • Generally, common eagle rays inhabit tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters along coasts. They frequent shallow lagoons, bays and estuaries.

    Prey

    • Common eagle rays feed on bottom-dwelling crustaceans and mollusks, which burrow into sandy bottoms. Thus, eagle rays are usually found along the bottom over soft substrate. They also sometimes prey on fish.