Members of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers & other local fishermen have been  reporting large numbers (schools of Thousands plus) of Cow Nose Rays in Jamaica bay. The Cow nose Ray , also known as Sea Eagle for its characteristic way of swimming, is a species that inhabit the waters of the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean. They are related to skate, stingrays and manta rats and have a cartilaginous skeleton and have 7 senses. They move in large groups and are bottom feeders feeding primarily on crustaceans and mollusks.

The can crack these shells because of their flattened teeth like a nut cracker. Cow nose rays have a poisonous stinger well positioned on their tail which can be very painful. The Rays in Jamaica Bay are very big measuring two foot  across their wings and up to 4 inches thick and weigh in excess of 35 pounds.

If hooked they should not be hauled into the boat as they could cause physical damage to anyone near them.

Kayak fisherman should stay clear of schools of Cow nose Rays

Binomial name:  Rhinoptera bonasus.

Species: R.bonasus

Genus:  Rhinoptera

Dan Mundy, JBEW