Bull rays, also known as duckbill eagle rays, are another species within the eagle ray family. They are easily distinguished from other eagle rays by the striking blue-striped pattern on their dorsal surface. Each individual has a unique pattern, allowing for reliable identification and long-term monitoring. This distinctive pattern also provides camouflage when the rays rest on the seabed. Similar to the common eagle ray, bull rays possess large triangular pectoral fins, a single dorsal fin, and a long, slender tail. They are characterised by a long, flat, rounded snout, from which their common name is derived. Their jaws consist of flat dental plates arranged in a hexagonal pattern rather than sharp teeth, an adaptation suited to feeding on crustaceans and molluscs such as shrimps and crabs. Each jaw contains seven rows of these plates, which are continuously replaced throughout the animal’s life.

Bull rays play a vital ecological role within marine ecosystems. As bottom feeders, they disturb and aerate the seabed while searching for food, a process that facilitates the establishment and growth of Posidonia and other seagrasses. Their presence is therefore considered an important indicator of seabed health, making them a valuable species for ecological monitoring.

This species is distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and along the west coast of Africa. Despite this wide range, bull rays have only recently become the focus of scientific research, and much remains to be learned about their distribution, abundance, migration patterns, and behaviour. It is already known, however, that the species is under significant threat from accidental capture as bycatch and from overfishing, and it is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In Maltese waters, bull rays are also vulnerable to spearfishing, as their size and behaviour make them easy targets.