Aetobatus

/ˌiːtəˈbeɪtəs/ noun

Definition

The scientific genus name for eagle rays, marine fish characterized by their flattened bodies, wing-like fins, and venomous tail spines.

Etymology

From Greek aetos (eagle) + batos (ray). This is the genus name given to these fish by Carl Linnaeus and other early taxonomists.

Kelly Says

Aetobatus rays are bizarre creatures—they look like underwater wings flapping through the ocean, and they have venomous barbed spikes on their tails that can seriously injure people, but they're generally gentle unless threatened.

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