Family Myliobatidae - eagle rays

Eagle and bat rays comprise this family of bay dwelling and coastal pelagic species. They are primarily bottom feeders but will commonly swim within the water column and occasionally break the water surface. The head on these rays is distinct with the eyes and spiracles located on each side. A single or multiple spines are located at the base of the tail. The spines can be poisonous but are inefficient defensively because the spines are so short.

Bat ray- Myliobatis californica

Remarks: A year round resident of the bay but less seen during the winter months. These rays have been thought to feed heavily on the cultured oysters within the bay and a periodic sweep was made to rid the area of them. This practice has all but stopped. Caught for sport mostly, although the pectoral wings are edible.

Identification: Blackish above and white underneath. The head is thick with a blunt snout. Bat rays have a single small dorsal fin and spine directly followed by a long round slender tail. These rays can become quite large 2m across and over 45kg.

Range: Oregon to the Gulf of California. Common to all bay and slough areas staying near or on the bottom.