What is ornate sleeper-ray?

The ornate sleeper-ray, also known as the ornate eagle ray or white-spotted eagle ray, is a species of eagle ray found in tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its body is circular or rhomboidal in shape with a long tail, and it can reach up to 3 meters in width and weigh up to 230 kilograms.

The ornate sleeper-ray has a distinctive coloration with a black or dark brown dorsal surface covered in small white spots and a white or pale underbelly. Its snout is pointed and elongated, and it has five to seven gill slits on each side of its head.

This species is typically found in shallow, sandy areas near coral reefs, sea grass beds, and rocky outcroppings. It is a bottom-dwelling species that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

The ornate sleeper-ray is not normally aggressive towards humans but can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. It is harvested for its meat and is also sometimes caught accidentally as bycatch in commercial fishing operations.

Conservation efforts for this species include protection in marine protected areas and monitoring of fishing activities to reduce accidental catch.