Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Madeira, Morroco and the Canaries north to the western coasts of Ireland and British Isles and the southwestern North Sea, south to Natal, South Africa. Also throughout the Mediterranean.

Diagnosis:

A plain eagleray with a short, rounded snout; disc with broadly angular corners, and upper or lower jaw usually with with 7 rows of plate-like teeth. Brown or blackish dorsally, white ventrally. No caudal fin.

Biology:

Found in shallow lagoons, bays and estuaries; also offshore down to at least 95 m. Often found in groups. Feeds on benthic crustaceans, mollusks and fish. Caught by shore and skiboat anglers, usually released after capture. Flesh is highly esteemed. Gestation period of 6-8 months, the females give birth to 3-7 young.

Max. size: 182.9 cm

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 1 - 300 m

Climate: subtropical; 54°N - 35°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Águila de mar, Peje águila, Ratón