AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.DraftCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Aetobatus laticeps
Pacific Spotted Eagle Ray
(Gill, 1865)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A graceful ray with a distinctively long, whip-like tail, a broad head with a protruding snout, and a dark dorsal surface covered in numerous white spots.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Myliobatiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Aetobatidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Aetobatus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gill, 1865)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Frequently found in shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and sandy bays of the Eastern Pacific.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly active and social, often seen in schools cruising along reef edges.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Social and gregarious, often forming large groups.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic invertebrate feeder.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Specialized feeder on benthic invertebrates, using its snout to dig prey out of the sand.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Aplacental viviparous; females give birth to litters of 1 to 4 pups.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 250.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10.00 kg - 200.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
4 - 6 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller and have external claspers.
Females Multi-lang
Females grow to larger sizes and are more robust.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features a specialized jaw structure for crushing the shells of mollusks and crustaceans.
Capable of powerful swimming and frequent leaping behavior to dislodge parasites or escape predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to degradation of coastal habitats and incidental capture in commercial fishing nets.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Historically confused with the Atlantic Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari), but genetic studies confirmed it as a distinct Pacific species.