The Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port has welcomed a rare species of ray for the first time in its history.

Two male ocellated eagle rays (Aetobatus Ocellatus), named Bequia and Nevis, have arrived at the aquarium from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, as part of the Eagle Ray Breeding Programme.

The breeding programme plays an important role in the conservation of this species, whose numbers are declining. The IUCN Red List categorises this mesmerising species as vulnerable in the wild.

Their biggest threat includes being bycatch from fishing boats, as well as unfavourable changes to their habitats due to climate change.

This new arrival allows expert staff at the Blue Planet Aquarium to understand these fascinating animals in order to support their ongoing conservation.

 

Eagle Ray glides through the Ocean Exhibit.

Eagle Ray glides through the Ocean Exhibit.

 

Dave O'Hare, curator at the Blue Planet Aquarium, said: “We are honoured to welcome the arrival of ocellated eagle rays at Blue Planet Aquarium, which is particularly exciting as they are a brand new species!

“The whole zoological team have thoroughly enjoyed caring for and gaining a deeper understanding of this species and can’t wait for the public to enjoy them too."

The eagle ray gets its name from their wing-like pectoral fins, allowing them to gracefully glide through the water in an eagle-like fashion, along with their pointed snouts that they use to find prey.

This fascinating ray can easily be spotted in the Blue Planet Aquarium shark tunnel – one of the longest of its kind in the UK.

Ocellated Eagle rays are one of the largest ray species on the planet and the largest at Blue Planet Aquarium. When Bequia and Nevis reach full maturity in a few years’ time, they are expected to grow to over double the size they are now, with a maximum width of up to three metres.

The new arrivals can be found in the aquarium's Ocean Exhibit, along with the UK’s largest collection of sharks.