Useful links

 Online resources - 

Current research from around the world -

Bermuda

Matthew Ajemian, a PhD student from University of South Alabama has been studying spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) populations around Bermuda since 2007. He is specifically researching the impact of these animals as predators of commercially and recreationally harvested shellfish species such as mussel, calico clam and conch. This approach is integrative, involving such techniques as traditional predator exclusion experiments, patch selection investigations in enclosures, and the latest technology in both acoustic and satellite telemetry. It is Matt’s hope that this integrative research will highlight the role that these large predators have in structuring benthic communities and equally foster conservation efforts for the rays themselves and the shellfish they consume.

Contact information: Matthew J. Ajemian, PhD Student
                                    Department of Marine Sciences,
                                    University of South Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab
                                    101 Bienville Boulevard
                                    Dauphin Island, AL 36528               (251) 861-2178
                                    majemian@disl.org
                                    http://fisherieslab.disl.org 

Scientific publications -

  • Chhapgar, B.F. (1964). A Monster of the Spotted Duck-Billed Ray, Aetobatus narinari. Copeia, 3: 587 - 589. (An unusual observation of an aquarium specimen exhibiting abnormal development during growth).

  • Corcoran, M.J. & Gruber, S.H. (1999). The use of photo - identification to study social organization of the spotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen 1790), at Bimini, Bahamas: a preliminary report. Bahamas Journal of Science, 7: 21-27. (Report of first ever study of spotted eagle rays using photoidentification techniques).
  • Gudger, E.W. (1914). History of the Spotted Eagle Ray, Aetobatis narinari, with a Study of its external structures. In: Papers from the marine biological laboratory at Tortugas. Carnegie Institution of Washington. 183: 241 - 323. (A detailed observation and account of collected specimens including interesting old scientific drawings).
  • Richards, P., Henning, M., Witzell, W. & Shivji, S. (2009). Species Delineation and Evolutionary History of the Globally Distributed Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari). Journal of Heredity, 100: 273 - 283. (Genetic analysis reporting distinction between populations in Western/Central Pacific and those in Eastern Pacific and Central Atlantic).

  • Silliman, W. R. & Gruber, S.H. (1999). Behavioral biology of the spotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790), in Bimini, Bahamas; an interim report. Bahamas Journal of Science, 7: 13-20. (A research report of tidal mediated movement patterns and behaviours using tagging techniques: the first of its kind).
  • Tricas, T. (1980) Courtship and mating-related behaviours in Myliobatid rays. Copeia, 3: 553 - 556.  (A detailed observation of a mating behaviour event in the Marshall Islands).
  • Uchida, S., Toda, M. & Kamei, Y. (1990). Reproduction of elasmobranchs in captivity. In: Elasmobranchs as living resources: Advances in biology, ecology, systematics and status of fisheries, NOAA  Technical Report. 90: 211-237. (Description of mating and birthing in an aquarium environment, with images).
  • Yokota, L. & Lessa, R.P. (2006). A nursery area for sharks and rays in Northeastern Brazil. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 75: 349 - 360. (Records of juvenile white spotted eagle rays found in estuary areas).
Stock photography - N.B. Images are subject to copyright but there are some really beautiful pictures to look through in these collections. Search for spotted eagle ray.