Pronunciation: [spˈɒtɪd ɹˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "spotted ray" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈspɒtɪd reɪ/. The first syllable, "spot," is pronounced with a short o sound followed by a t sound, while the second syllable, "ted," is pronounced with a schwa sound and a d sound. The word "ray" is pronounced with a long a sound and a y sound at the end. This spelling accurately represents the sounds in the word "spotted ray."
A spotted ray, also known as a spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), is a species of cartilaginous fish belonging to the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. It is recognized for its distinct physical characteristics, consisting of a flat and diamond-shaped body with a pair of long and slender tails resembling wings. As the name suggests, the spotted ray is characterized by striking patterns of white spots scattered over its dark brown or black upper body surface, while the underside is typically cream or white in color.
Spotted rays are predominantly marine creatures found in warm coastal waters and tropical regions around the world, with populations inhabiting the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are known for their graceful swimming style and agile movements, often seen gliding near the water's surface or cruising close to sandy bottoms. These rays are primarily bottom-dwellers, spending their time foraging for food along the ocean floor, where they feed on a varied diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish using their efficient filter-feeding system.
Due to their captivating appearance and unique behaviors, spotted rays are frequently admired by scuba divers and snorkelers. However, they are occasionally captured for public aquariums or for their valuable fins, which are sought after in certain cultures for medicinal purposes or as decorative ornaments. Despite these threats, the spotted ray population remains relatively stable, benefiting from protected areas and conservation efforts implemented in many regions to preserve their habitats and ensure their conservation for future generations.
The word "spotted ray" comprises two parts: "spotted" and "ray".
The term "spotted" is derived from the Old English word "spottian", meaning "to mark with spots". It has its roots in the Middle Dutch word "spotten" and the Middle Low German word "spōtten", both of which also mean "to mark with spots". The word "spot" itself comes from the proto-Germanic word "spottōną".
On the other hand, "ray" originated from the Old French word "raie", which means "ray of light" or "stripe". The Old French word was derived from the Latin word "radius", meaning "ray" or "rod". In the context of marine animals, "ray" refers to a cartilaginous fish of the order Rajiformes, which includes various types of rays.
