Spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) are an elasmobranch species from the family Myliobatidae. They are found in tropical waters worldwide; their coloration and white spotted markings are unique identifiers. They are a popular species found in aquariums around the world, yet very little is known about their hematology and disease processes. The Georgia Aquarium has a large collection of spotted eagle with extensive records including hematology results for individual animals. During this retrospective study, 126 blood chemistry and 132 CBC samples were analyzed from 24 clinically healthy spotted eagle rays at the Georgia Aquarium to generate hematological reference ranges. The purpose of this retrospective study was to establish baseline hematologic reference ranges for aquarium-housed spotted eagle ray biochemistries and complete blood counts (CBCs). Chemistry analyte parameters were compared between two different diagnostic laboratories, Michigan State University (MSU) and University of Miami (UMiami). Calcium (p<0.000001), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.000001), magnesium (p<0.000001), and sodium (p=0.000012) were determined to be significantly different between the two labs. Establishing hematological reference ranges in spotted eagle rays, and in elasmobranchs in general, may enhance the understanding of the species, their health, and their treatment.

Table 1. University of Miami (UMiami) chemistry reference ranges

Table 2. Michigan State University (MSU) chemistry reference ranges

Table 3. Complete blood count (CBC) reference ranges