Diving with eagle ray in the red sea 🌊🤿❤️

Eagle rays are a group of cartilaginous fish belonging to the family *Myliobatidae*, known for their graceful swimming and distinctive appearance. They are easily recognizable by their broad, flat bodies, long tails, and wing-like pectoral fins that allow them to glide effortlessly through the water, often resembling a bird in flight.
These rays inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, typically found in shallow coastal waters, although some species venture into deeper waters. Eagle rays have a unique feeding strategy; they use their strong jaws to crush and eat hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Their dental plates are specifically adapted for this purpose, making them highly efficient predators.
One of the most famous species within this group is the spotted eagle ray (*Aetobatus narinari*), known for its beautiful pattern of white spots on a dark blue or black background. Spotted eagle rays are often seen swimming alone or in small groups and are known for their impressive jumps out of the water, which can reach several feet into the air.
Eagle rays are ovoviviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young after the eggs hatch inside their bodies. The young rays are born fully formed and ready to swim, resembling miniature versions of the adults.
Despite their impressive appearance, eagle rays are generally not dangerous to humans. They are more likely to flee than confront when approached by divers or swimmers. However, like all wildlife, they should be treated with respect to avoid any accidental harm.
Conservation-wise, eagle rays face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing, both targeted and as bycatch. Some species are considered near-threatened or vulnerable due to these pressures, making conservation efforts important for their continued survival.