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Eagle rays are one of the 630 species of the fish genus, but are considered peaceful conspecifics. The fish only use the venom in their stingers when threatened.
Eagle rays are only dangerous to a limited extent
If you want to encounter eagle rays in the wild, you should dive in subtropical seas. There is a good chance of encountering this fish species near a coral reef.
- A long tail is attached behind the dorsal fin, the first third of which contains a venomous sting.
- However, an eagle ray only uses this venomous sting if it feels threatened and wants to defend itself. Otherwise, the animals are actually considered peaceful conspecifics.
- The venomous sting can only be used once as a defense mechanism. Once the venom has been sprayed from the venom glands, it loses them.
- The sting itself remains intact afterwards. Even without venom, a sting injury can be very unpleasant.
- If you are injured by the sting of an eagle ray, you should visit a doctor’s surgery or hospital emergency room immediately. The sting must be removed.
- If you have been poisoned, it becomes very dangerous. This is an emergency that requires immediate acute medical treatment, otherwise there is a danger to life.
What divers should bear in mind
If you encounter one or more eagle rays while diving, keep a little distance away. Observe the eagle rays without getting too close to them. Do not close in on the animals so that they do not feel threatened.
- Take the venomous sting in the tail to heart and never forget the danger it can pose.
- You cannot tell from the outside whether there is still poison in the venom glands or not. You should therefore always assume that there is a danger to life.
- In order to be well protected in an emergency and to receive comprehensive medical care, you should take out good diving insurance before diving.
