<p style="margin: 5pt 0pt;">A school of spotted eagle rays glides gracefully through the island-speckled waters of the Maldives. The rays are often seen gathering in groups near the surface, “flying” through the water by flapping their pectoral fins and sometimes even leaping porpoise-like into the air. The ray’s dorsal side, invisible in this image, is covered with a signature pattern of vivid spots.</p>

Spotted Eagle Rays

A school of spotted eagle rays glides gracefully through the island-speckled waters of the Maldives. The rays are often seen gathering in groups near the surface, “flying” through the water by flapping their pectoral fins and sometimes even leaping porpoise-like into the air. The ray’s dorsal side, invisible in this image, is covered with a signature pattern of vivid spots.

Photograph by Paul Sutherland, National Geographic

Rays

See the stingers, shockers, and other amazing abilities of the flattened fish that have gracefully cruised Earth’s seas for 150 million years.

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