How Venomous Is The Eagle Ray?
Though eagle rays or any other ray for that matter do not usually attack unless you intrude into their space, you have to be aware that they are venomous – or at least the stings on their tails are and you have to be careful when you approach them. Let’s take a look at where exactly the venom is located. On the spotted eagle ray, the pelvic fins appear to be narrowly rounded and you’ll find the dorsal fin near the pelvic point. The spotted eagle ray doesn’t have a caudal fin and the tail is so long that it appears whip-like. The tail can reach a length of two to three times the actual width of the disc when it is undamaged. Originating precisely behind the dorsal fins, you will find the stinging spines – they are short and could be anything between two and six in number. The stinging spines have a barbed tip and lateral teeth that are recurved accompanied by a forked root. When these venous spines are used in defense against potential threats, they can really deliver a very nasty sting
