Hawai‘i is home to some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth. The spotted eagleray is known as ashīhīmanuin in Hawaiian, which means “magnificent” or “elegant.” And if you are lucky enough to spot one while snorkeling, you will see that the ray truly lives up to its name. This graceful, beautiful ray glides through Hawai‘i’s coastal areas, feeding on clams, urchins, and other sea creatures in the sand. The tops of their dark gray bodies are covered with white spots, while the underside is completely white. They have a long tail with sharp spines at the base, and their “wings,” or dorsal fins, can span up to six feet from end to end. Spotted eagle rays are known to jump out of the water, occasionally performing cartwheels. When giving birth, the female spotted eagle ray jumps out of the water and expels the babies mid-air! Keep your eyes peeled for these elegant sea creatures on your snorkeling or diving adventures. Your next boat adventure may include a truly unbelievable fishtale if you happen to catch one of these graceful creatures flying out of the water.