Marine life
Spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus ocellatus
A spotted, long-tailed ray that flies rather than flaps — often seen in small squadrons over sand.
Spotted eagle rays are among the most elegant animals a diver will see in Australian waters — dark above with white spots, a pointed duck-like snout, and a whip tail considerably longer than the body.
They move with slow wingbeats that genuinely look like flight, often in small groups cruising over sand or along a reef edge, and they will usually keep a polite distance rather than approaching.
They feed by rooting in sand for molluscs and crustaceans, which is when divers get the closest views.
| Scientific name | Aetobatus ocellatus |
|---|---|
| Typical size | Commonly 1.5–2.5 m wingspan |
| Peak months | Year-round |
| Documented sites | 7 |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia |
- dark grey-black upper surface covered in white spots
- pointed, duck-bill-shaped snout
- very long whip-like tail with venomous spines at its base
- flies with slow, deliberate wingbeats
- Forages in sand for molluscs and crustaceans.
- Often travels in small loose groups.
- Generally shy of divers; approaches rarely work.
In-water etiquette
How divers behave around this species affects both the animal and everyone else's encounter.
- Do not pursue — following a ray simply ends the encounter faster.
- Stay clear of the tail base, which carries venomous spines.
Where to see them
Sites where this species is documented as a reliable encounter.
Operators servicing those sites
Businesses documented as diving the sites above. Confirm seasonality and requirements directly.
Often seen on the same dives
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.