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References, Databases and Records => Fish Species Database & Fish ID => Topic started by: REEFMAN on June 26, 2010, 09:09:48 PM

Title: EAGLE RAY VS DUCKBILL RAY IDENTIFICATION
Post by: REEFMAN on June 26, 2010, 09:09:48 PM

EAGLE RAY VS DUCKBILL/BULL RAY

There is a lot of mis-identification when it comes to these 2 species...  The species is even mis-identified in the ORI Tables...!!!! So lets just clear this up once and for all.

1: DUCKBILL RAY = BULL RAY - Same species, Pteromylaeus bovinus
2. EAGLE RAY - Myliobatus aquila
 
 
BULL RAY / DUCKBILL RAY


(http://africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/FISH%20ID/EAGLE%20VS%20DUCKBILL/bull%20ray.jpg)
 
 

EAGLE RAY

(http://africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/FISH%20ID/EAGLE%20VS%20DUCKBILL/Eagle%20Ray%20def.jpg)

Smith's encyclopedia states:

species number 28.2 Myliobatis aquila = EAGLE RAY

Species number 28.3 Pteromylaeus bovinus = BULL RAY
"BOVINE" = BULL!

This species is INCORRECTLY named in the ORI Length to weight tables!

Further to this... Phil and Elaine Heemstra's - COASTAL FISHES book states the following:

BULLRAY - Pteromylaeus bovinus - SNOUT RESEMBLES A DUCK'S BILL


Then finally, RUDI VAN DER ELST's book (3rd EDITION) says:

Pteromylaeus bovinus -
Common names: SA: BullRay, Duckbill Ray.
Worldwide: Bullray

Bullray - a reference to the Bull-like head, especially in juveniles.
"In SA this has been known traditionally as the Duckbill Ray because of its duck-like snout. In order to standardize internationally, it should now be called the BULLRAY."


Below is a pic of the easily identifiable:

SPOTTED EAGLE RAY
(http://africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/FISH%20ID/EAGLE%20VS%20DUCKBILL/spotted%20eagle%20ray.jpg)
(http://africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/FISH%20ID/EAGLE%20VS%20DUCKBILL/spotted%20eagle%20ray%20head.jpg)
 
 
 
IDENTIFICATION
MAIN DIFFERENCES

• EAGLE RAY's snout is continuous with the leading edge of the Pectoral fin (Disc).
• Pelvic fins in the EAGLE RAY are large... 1/3 the length of the Body.
• Pelvic fins in the Bull Ray are smaller 1/4-1/5 the length of the body.
• Juvenile BULL rays have dark brown horizontal stripes, while in the adults, these become pale blue.
• Eagle Ray may have spots or blotches, but never stripes.
• Tip of the Disc (Pectoral fins) are rounded in the EAGLE RAY and Pointed in the BULL RAY.

Title: Re: EAGLE RAY VS DUCKBILL RAY IDENTIFICATION
Post by: John F on February 11, 2011, 09:37:46 PM

Some recent pics of an eagle ray, from Xai-Xai...