Spotted eagle ray

Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) — field identification starting point: a dorsoventrally flattened cartilaginous fish with broad wing-like pectoral fins forming a disc and eyes/spiracles on the upper surface.

Most are around 4.6 ft (140 cm).

Up to about 7.5 ft (230 cm) wide and 507 lb (230 kg). Source: FishBase

The spotted eagle ray feeds on marine worms, clams, sea snails, squid and octopus, shrimp and small fish.

It is common in coastal waters and swims near the surface, sometimes leaping out of the water, or near the bottom. It often forms large schools outside the breeding season.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in the documented habitat and substrate for this species, then narrow the search using depth, current, structure and food activity. Habitat reference:

Habitat: coastal waters.

From 3 ft to 262 ft deep (1–80 m).

Release-first species on this BigJoe guide: do not target it for harvest. If caught incidentally, release promptly in the water or with minimal air exposure.

Water: marine and brackish. Habitat: coastal waters.

No directed season is recommended; check the current legal status before every trip.

No target time is recommended; release any incidental capture promptly.

No target tide is recommended; choose conditions that allow safe handling and release.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

No harvest-targeting bait recommendation is provided. Incidental captures should be released promptly.

No directed lure recommendation on a release-only page; avoid intentionally targeting the fish unless current rules expressly allow the activity.

Release kit first: appropriate rod/reel, strong line, dehooker, long pliers/cutters and a plan to keep handling time minimal.

If an incidental hookup occurs, use strong release-friendly terminal tackle and cut the leader near the hook if removal would cause more injury.

Use tackle strong enough to shorten any incidental fight and support a quick release.

Use an abrasion-resistant leader that can be cut quickly if dehooking is unsafe.

Release-first guidance only: identify, minimize fight/handling, dehook in the water when practical and release promptly.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Do not keep — this species is protected in Florida and/or U.S. federal waters, and in many Caribbean countries. Release it quickly.

Not for the table — release it.

Safety first: DO NOT HANDLE — venomous spine(s) near the tail base. If you keep it and it's appropriate for food use: control the tail/barb area first, use heavy gloves and a stable cutting surface, chill promptly, remove edible wing meat with clean tools and keep it cold. Never treat a general cleaning method as permission to retain a ray.

If the exact ray is legally retained and suitable for food, cook the wing meat thoroughly using current seafood-safety guidance; 145°F (63°C) is the FDA target for fish. Check local harvest and contaminant advisories first.

DO NOT HANDLE — venomous spine(s) near the tail base.

Rules: Giant manta, spotted eagle ray and southern stingray: Do not target or possess; release incidental catches promptly with minimal harm.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.