Bat Ray

The bat ray (Myliobatis californica) is found along the eastern Pacific coast from Oregon down to the Gulf of California. It commonly inhabits shallow bays, estuaries, and sandy coastal flats where it can excavate prey from the seafloor.

Bat rays primarily feed on mollusks and crustaceans, which they excavate from sandy substrates using their flattened teeth. They also consume small fish and worms, crushing hard-shelled prey with their powerful dental plates.

Bat rays can reach a wingspan of up to roughly 1.8 meters (about 6 feet), with females generally growing larger than males. They are one of the more commonly encountered ray species along the California coast.

Yes, bat rays possess a venomous spine at the base of their tail, which they can use defensively. While the sting is painful, bat rays are generally not aggressive toward humans and most injuries occur when the animal is handled or stepped on.