15/03/2023
https://youtu.be/56QOim3rfLk
During just one day trip to Secret Harbor Beach in St. Thomas we saw an abundance of wildlife from fish, turtles, octopus and this Spotted Eagle Ray. If you don't have gear you can rent from the dive shop located right on the beach at Secret Harbor, years ago we decided it was best to just buy the gear from the dive shop since we would be diving several times on our trip, this is something we have never regretted. Parking at Secret Harbor is very limited so arrive early or drop your party off at the beach entrance then park along the road and walk down, there is a security guard in the parking lot that will have you towed if you are not a guest at Secret Harbor so be sure to park in the correct parking areas as marked.
After a day of snorkeling and playing in the sun be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Cruzan Beach Club where you can sit in the shade enjoying the view.
Some information from oceana.org
"Reaching widths of nearly 11 feet (over 3 m), the spotted eagle ray is one of the largest eagle rays, with only the mantas growing bigger. Spotted eagle rays, like all eagle rays, are active swimmers and do not lie motionless on the seafloor, like the closely related whiptail stingrays (e.g., southern stingray). They are foraging predators and are known to eat a variety of invertebrate and fish prey. Just like the name implies, the spotted eagle ray is covered in spots and other markings. It is unmistakable with any other species throughout its range.
Spotted eagle rays live along the open coast in warm waters throughout the world, though they are often associated with coral reefs and sometimes enter protected bays to feed or mate. They are generally considered a coastal species, but the worldwide geographic distribution implies that some individuals must migrate far distances over deep water. It is possible, however, that further genetic study will reveal that spotted eagle rays in different ocean basins (e.g., Atlantic vs. Pacific oceans) are actually different species.
Spotted eagle rays reproduce via internal fertilization and give live birth. However, they do not connect to their young through a placenta, like in most mammals. Instead, embryos live off of energy obtained from yolk sacs, and only after the juveniles are able to survive on their own does the mother give birth to her young (1-4 pups per litter). This low reproductive potential, along with their natural rarity, contributes to experts considering spotted eagle rays as ‘near threatened’ with extinction. This species is not directly targeted by commercial fisheries, but it is captured as accidental bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. Furthermore, it is occasionally captured alive to be displayed in public aquariums. Worldwide populations are declining, and careful monitoring is necessary to ensure that conservation measures can be enacted should populations reach threateningly low numbers.
Fun Facts About Spotted Eagle Rays
1. Spotted eagle rays grow to a maximum length of 16.4 feet (5 m), including the tail, and 507 pounds (230 kg). Their wingspan reaches a maximum width of 9.8 feet (3 m) from tip to tip.
2. Spotted eagle rays can be found from the surface to just over 196 feet (60 m) deep.
3. Spotted eagle rays can leap their entire bodies out of the water while swimming close to the surface.
4. Spotted eagle rays have venomous spines on their tails that are used in defense against threats.
5. Spotted eagle rays have plate-like teeth used to crush their preferred prey, including clams, oysters, sea urchins and shrimp."
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Peace of Mind Villa located in beautiful St. Thomas, USVI located on the East side of St Thomas about 5 minutes outside of the Red Hook area with gorgeous down island views.