This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 am and is filed under Adventure Cruises, Information, Sites, Snorkeling, Snuba. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Photo Courtesy R. Field, Fishbase
The beautiful spotted eagle ray is an amazing animal to see cruising through the reefs. Snorkelers and divers alike may find themselves entranced by the sight of this relative to the shark. Called Hihimanu in Hawaiian, translated it means magnificent, elegant, or elegance, which says it all. These shy creatures can be seen just off shore anywhere around the islands and have been also glimpsed in Molokini. Although divers and SNUBA enthusiasts may have a better chance of seeing the eagle ray, snorkelers have been blessed in such places as Ulua, Big Beach, Black Rock, Sugar Beach, and Kamaole III, just to name a few. We do have a world class aquarium on Maui, which is home to a 10+ year old female eagle ray who delights children and adults with her laid-back friendly style.
Eagle rays love to eat crab, worms, shrimp and octopus. They have fused tooth plates that are in a chevron shape. Like their cousin, the shark, they shed their tooth plates several times per year. But unlike sharks, who lose teeth one at a time, the eagle ray loses the entire plate (like dentures). Their plates are constantly growing, so they are never without. Since they crush their food, the tooth plates can become very worn.
The spotted eagle ray does have venomous spines at the base of their body. Depending on the animal, there can be from 4-7 spines equipped with a neurotoxin. If a predator grabs the ray by the base of the body, it may get a spine broken off in their mouths. Hammerheads will prey on sting rays and these sharks have been found to have multiple barbs embedded in their skin around their mouths, but they survive the neurotoxin, a very interesting fact. The eagle ray can grow to have a 9 foot wingspan, although there have been reports of larger rays with an 11 foot wingspan, those reports have not been documented. They are live bearers of 1 to 3 pups, which are dropped quickly and swim away, totally on their own. Eagle rays have also been known to leap completely out of the water, surprising even the most seasoned boat captain.
When visiting the islands, do plan on getting wet. Our planet is about 70% water and the Pacific Ocean is full of many wondrous animals. Getting in the water, or on it, is a must for any visitor.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Elegant Eagle Ray | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
I was truly satisfied the Maui package that I availed from this site. Their staff made sure that I will have the best Hawaii experience ever! Thanks guys!…