New Zealand eagle ray
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| New Zealand eagle ray | ||||||||||||||||
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| Myliobatis tenuicaudatus Hector, 1877 |
The New Zealand eagle ray, Myliobatis tenuicaudatus, is an eagle ray of the family Myliobatidae, found in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs around New Zealand to depths of 160 m. Its length is up to 150 cm.
The New Zealand eagle ray occurs in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs, usually solitary. They have a separate forward projecting head and the wings (which are greatly expanded pectoral fins) are pointed and curved slightly backwards. Although there is no no caudal fin there is a small dorsal fin at the base of the tail. Although the spine on the tail is capable of inflicting a painful wound, the poison is quickly neutralized by immersion of the injured area in hot water.
It feeds on clams, oysters, worms, and crabs.
Reproduction is ovoviviparous.
Coloration is olive-green, yellow or dark brown dorsally with pale blue or grey markings, and white ventrally.
[edit] References
- "Myliobatis tenuicaudatus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8
