The Common Eagle Ray is native to sandy coasts, reefs and estuaries of temperate to tropical northeastern Atlantic
waters including the Mediterranean, southern UK, the Canaries, Azores and southern Africa.
The pectoral fins (wings) of eagle rays do not cover the head, unlike those of stingrays. The Common Eagle Ray
has a rounded snout. It can grow to 0.8 metre wide and 1.8 metres long including its thin tail. The tail has a venomous spine.
The top side is grey or brown. The underside is white and pale grey and contains the mouth, giving a ghostly facelike appearance.
Despite its wide range, it is classed as critically endangered, mainly by intensive fishing activities.