Drone footage helps explain why eagle rays jump out of the water

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-04-02 00:01

Australia; QLD

Nolan et al

Drone footage captured by researchers and citizen scientists has been used to work out why ocellated eagle rays breach the water surface. Australian scientists analysed 15 breaches recorded in drone footage off the coast of Queensland and found that before breaching, the rays were either interacting with fish or being chased by a predator. The fish in question were often remoras, which are famous for attaching to sharks and rays, and the authors say the breaching may be a way of getting rid of irritating fish or avoiding predators.

Multimedia

Video of ray breaching

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Journal/
conference: Marine and Freshwater Research

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: James Cook University

Funder: This research was supported by James Cook University as part of Bridget Nolan’s Masters of Marine Biology. No additional funding was received.

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