Sealife guideThe Myliobatiformes orderThe taxonomy of marine species

Explore the taxonomy of the sea vertebrates including the cetaceans like the whales or the dolphins, the sea birds, the fish, the sharks and the sea turtles !

The Aetobatidae family includes the leopard rays, which were previously classified under Myliobatidae family. They are distinguished by their long, protruding snouts, slender bodies and characteristic spotted patterns. These powerful swimmers inhabit open water and primarily feed on mollusks and crustaceans, which they crush using strong dental plates.

Atlantic white-spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus narinari)

Pacific white-spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus laticeps)

Spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus ocellatus)

Black blotched stingray
(Taeniura meyeni)

Blue spotted stingray
(Neotrygon kuhlii)

Darkspotted stingray
(Himantura uarnak)

Fantail stingray
(Pastinachus sephen)

Ribbontail stingray
(Taeniura lymma)

Southern stingray
(Dasyatis americana)

The Mobulidae family includes manta rays and devil rays, some of the largest rays in the world. They are characterized by their broad, wing-like pectoral fins, forward-facing cephalic lobes, and their filter-feeding behavior, which allows them to consume plankton. Mostly pelagic, these species live in open water and are capable of traveling long distances

Giant manta
(Mobula birostris)

Reef manta ray
(Mobula alfredi)

Yellow stingray
(Urobatis jamaicensis)

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Friday, September 5th 2025

The bump-head sunfish

Learn about the bump-head sunfish (Mola alexandrini), the world's heaviest bony fish, its habitat in tropical and temperate oceans, diet of jellyfish, deep-water behavior and record size over 6,000 lbs.

Wednesday, September 3rd 2025

The chocolate chip sea cucumber

The chocolate chip sea cucumber has a massive cylindrical body that is beige in color, covered with a set of dark brown pustules resembling chocolate chips that protrude slightly from the surface, giving it a resemblance to a cookie, hence its french name. It can reach a length of about 12 inches when fully grown.

Monday, September 1st 2025

The red hind grouper

The red hind grouper has a distinctive appearance, usually beige to brown in color, with numerous red or brown spots covering its entire body and the base of its fins. It is often found in the shallow waters of coral reefs and rocky areas, where it hides in crevices and cavities.

Photo of the Day

Mérou croissant de lune
(Variola louti)