The eagle ray can be found gliding in the Red Sea near the reefs and along the sea bed.  The size of an eagle ray can vary, however they can grow up to 3m long (10ft) with a wingspan of around 7m (23ft). They can be spotted at the edges of the outer reefs and in lagoons.  

Unlike other species they are not pack animals so you will usually find them swimming solo. They are generally very shy creatures but are considered dangerous when threatened due to their venomous stingers located behind the pelvic fins. For this reason when diving around these creatures it is always safer to keep some distance. 

How can you spot an eagle ray from all the other rays, sting rays and manta rays? First they are usually grey or black with irregular white circles on the upper body.  They can also typically be identified by their long tails and well defined bodies.  These creatures are excellent swimmers that hunt their prey by shoveling their way into the sand with their pointed snouts. They have been known on occasion to jump out of the water and they weigh around 500 pounds.  They feed on crustaceans and mollusks and they usually fall prey to sharks such as silvertip sharks.