Fin's Fish Guide
The Bull ray (Aetomylaeus bovinus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Myliobatidae that grows up to 222 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Portugal and Morocco to Angola, the Mediterranean Sea, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the coast of South Africa to Mozambique.
Description
The bull ray is a large eagle ray of the family Myliobatidae with a wingspan exceeding two metres in females. The species has a long, rounded snout reminiscent of a duck's bill and large, wing-like pectoral fins with which it 'flies' gracefully through the water. The back is light brown with a few pale blue-grey cross-stripes, the underside white. Unlike many related rays the bull ray lacks a venomous tail sting. It lives in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, between 10 and 150 m, eating bottom crustaceans and shellfish. Heavy fishing pressure has left the species assessed as Critically Endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bull ray?
The Bull ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Eagle ray with a duckbill-like, rounded snout and large, wing-shaped pectoral fins; lacks a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Bull ray live?
The Bull ray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Portugal and Morocco to Angola, the Mediterranean Sea, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the coast of South Africa to Mozambique.
How big does the Bull ray get?
The Bull ray grows to a maximum of about 222 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Bull ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Bull ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bull ray edible?
The Bull ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bull ray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aetomylaeus
More from the family Myliobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Bull ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bull ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.