Spotted Eagle Ray following me / strange behavior

[scubadada]

I was under the impression that Eagle Rays eat crustaceans and mollusks. I would not think they would be interested in the fish that divers spear.

My wife and I had an Eagle Ray stay very close to us on a shallow reef for about 5 minutes in Bonaire. It was not at all skittish as most generally seem to be. Yes, a very nice experience.

 

[TSalles]

I was under the impression that Eagle Rays eat crustaceans and mollusks. I would not think they would be interested in the fish that divers spear.

My wife and I had an Eagle Ray stay very close to us on a shallow reef for about 5 minutes in Bonaire. It was not at all skittish as most generally seem to be. Yes, a very nice experience.

Yes I too agree that they would not be interested in the fish. A previous reply brought up an interesting point how we may kick up some sediment with our fins and that might be attracting them. (considering they eat mollusks and other creatures on the ocean floor) Very good to know that you had a similar experience, and that not all rays are so shy! So cool! I hope I get to see the ray again, this time ill be less fearful but still exercise caution.

 

[bradStyle]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I think Eagle Rays may be smart enough to seek out human help. They are quite intelligent. Mantas are the world's most intelligent fish, I don't think Eagle Rays are totally on the other side of that spectrum. Not saying that this one was necessarily asking for help, but it could have been. I can see how that would have been extremely nerve wracking for anyone who hasn't spent time with them, particularly a non-diver. Thanks for joining ScubaBoard to share this fascinating story with us!

I get to spend almost every day with them in the winter time. Absolutely love them.

 

[TSalles]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I think Eagle Rays may be smart enough to seek out human help. They are quite intelligent. Mantas are the world's most intelligent fish, I don't think Eagle Rays are totally on the other side of that spectrum. Not saying that this one was necessarily asking for help, but it could have been. I can see how that would have been extremely nerve wracking for anyone who hasn't spent time with them, particularly a non-diver. Thanks for joining ScubaBoard to share this fascinating story with us!

I get to spend almost every day with them in the winter time. Absolutely love them

Very awesome info! Thank you so much for sharing this. Makes me a lil sad and wish I had the experience to understand its behavior that day. I would've loved nothing more than to help it if thats what it needed. They really are amazing animals and I have such appreciation for them. Ima keep a lookout for this same ray that approached me that day. I loved sharing this story and love all the feedback I'm getting. Jealous you get to spend so much time with them.

Cheers!

 

[34109411]

Hello all!

I am posting with a very unique story and inquiring if anyone has had a similar experience or knows why this ray was acting the way it was. I am no diver but I am very familiar/comfortable with the ocean. I get in and spearfish, snorkel every chance I get. Yesterday I was snorkeling at the reef in Lauderdale by the Sea, (not spearfishing) when suddenly I was approached by a Spotted eagle ray larger than me. (I am 5'3" 115lbs) It was magnificent. However, my awe slowly turned to slight fear because it was not acting like a typical ray. It was not shy like most are, it was getting extremely close to me, within an arms distance multiple times. I was maybe thinking I was near its young and I was invading its space, so I started to swim away from the area. This ray pursued me for around 10 minutes continuing to get extremely close. I also noted the ray was injured on one of its wings and had a small hook in its snout. After around ten minutes of pursuing me it finally just turned away and left. I am still thinking about the experience and wondering what it wanted. It was very cool but also terrifying because it was so much larger than me. Looking for any knowledge. I know these animals are very shy.

she was it love with, love at first sight.

 

[34109411]

she was it love with, love at first sight.

For you info i had multiple encounter with shark, whale shark, eel, goliath grouper, turtle, sea lion, dolphins etc...

In that case that one need help otherwise human don't belong to ocean and animal are intrigued by what we are.

Don't be terrified in those situations, embrace marine life and remain calm the outcome will be a beautiful experience.

Be safe

 

[johndiver999]

I was under the impression that Eagle Rays eat crustaceans and mollusks. I would not think they would be interested in the fish that divers spear.

My wife and I had an Eagle Ray stay very close to us on a shallow reef for about 5 minutes in Bonaire. It was not at all skittish as most generally seem to be. Yes, a very nice experience.

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yes, I have spearfished around eagle rays several times and they have never shown any interest in the speared fish. They are usually not really interested in divers at all.

A school of big eagle rays gliding over a wreck is one of my favorites sights (sites?)underwater, they really are beautiful and graceful.