The Spotted Eagle Ray is the most beautiful of all the stingrays. They have 2-6 venomous barbs on their long tails. They can reach 16 feet in length and have a wingspan up to 10 feet wide. They reach a weight of over 500lbs. Despite their size and stingers, they are extremely gentle creatures. Normally shy and solitary, it is highly unusual for a diver to get close enough to touch one. This photographer, on a night dive, was following behind one that actually circled back and glided past his nose, lightly touching his hand with its wing. Such close encounters are a once in a lifetime experience that would thrill any diver.