Skip to main content

Kōrero: Sharks and rays

Eagle ray

Image
Eagle ray

Eagle rays have pointed pectoral fins, and they are wider than they are long. They move by flapping their fins, resembling birds in flight. They have plate-like teeth with which to crush their prey. The poisonous spine on the tail can cause a painful wound, but this is eased by applying heat, which destroys the poison.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10045829

by Malcolm Francis

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Gerard Hutching, Sharks and rays – Rays and skates, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/5946/eagle-ray (accessed 24 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.