Fish nocturnal

Bullseye Electric Ray

Diplobatis ommata

A tiny titan of the Pacific shallows, the Bullseye Electric Ray carries a built-in battery and a stunning target-like pattern that makes it one of the ocean's most photogenic bottom-dwellers.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Up to 25 cm (9.8 inches) in length; weight typically less than 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)

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Colors

Highly variable brown to yellowish-tan background; features a prominent central 'bullseye' ocellus with concentric black, gold, or white rings; darker brown shading on the front of the disc.

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Key Features

Distinctive large eyespot (ocellus) in the center of the back
Rounded, shovel-like pectoral disc
Short, thick tail with two dorsal fins
Small, protruding eyes on top of the head

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily small crustaceans such as amphipods and shrimp, as well as tiny polychaete worms found in the substrate.

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Habitat Shallow inshore waters, sandy sea floors, rocky reef margins, and seagrass beds up to 60 meters deep.

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Behavior

The Bullseye Electric Ray is a master of camouflage and a patient ambush predator. During the day, it spends much of its time partially buried in the sand or fine gravel of the seafloor, with only its eyes and spiracles (breathing holes) exposed. When threatened or when hunting, it utilizes specialized kidney-shaped electric organs located on either side of its head. These organs can deliver a mild but startling electric discharge used to stun small prey or deter curious predators like larger fish or sharks.

While generally solitary, these rays are often found in high densities in favorable habitats like shallow sandy bays. They are not aggressive toward humans, but they can deliver a 'zip' of electricity if stepped on by an unsuspecting wader. Their movement is unique; unlike larger rays that 'fly' through the water, the Bullseye Electric Ray often uses its pelvic fins to 'walk' or hop along the bottom in a rhythmic fashion.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Bullseye Electric Ray on camera requires an underwater setup, such as a GoPro or a specialized marine trail camera in a waterproof housing. Since these rays frequent very shallow water, you can often place your camera in tide pools or sandy flats during low tide. For the best results, mount your camera on a weighted 'sand-anchor' or a low-profile tripod no more than 6 inches off the seabed. Angling the lens slightly downward toward a patch of open sand near a rocky edge will increase your chances of catching one as it emerges from its burrows.

Because they are nocturnal, lighting is your biggest challenge. Avoid using high-intensity white lights which can wash out their intricate patterns or cause them to flee. Instead, utilize a camera with an infrared (IR) flash or a low-intensity red LED light. These rays are less sensitive to the red spectrum, allowing you to capture natural foraging behavior without disturbing them. Set your camera to video mode or high-speed burst, as their 'hopping' movement can be quite rapid once they decide to move.

To attract a Bullseye Electric Ray to your camera's field of view, you can use a 'scent bag.' Place a small mesh bag filled with crushed shrimp or squid near the camera. The oils will drift in the current, drawing the ray in to investigate. Ensure the bait is secured so the ray (or a hungry crab) doesn't drag it out of the frame. Seasonal timing isn't strictly necessary as they are year-round residents, but calmer water conditions with high visibility will yield much clearer footage than murky, post-storm surges.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bullseye Electric Ray.

Cortez Electric Ray

Lacks the central bullseye eyespot and typically has a more uniform, mottled pattern of small dark spots.

Lesser Electric Ray

Found in the Atlantic/Caribbean rather than the Pacific, and usually features many small spots rather than one large central ocellus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bullseye Electric Rays are primarily nocturnal. They spend their daylight hours buried in the sand to avoid predators and become active after sunset to hunt for small crustaceans.

You can attract them using scent rather than sight. A mesh bag filled with crushed shrimp or local shellfish placed down-current from your camera will often lure them in to investigate the source of the smell.

Their diet consists almost entirely of small bottom-dwelling invertebrates, specifically amphipods, small shrimp, and various marine worms found in sandy or muddy substrates.

They are common in coastal areas along the Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Ecuador. If you live near a sandy beach or bay in this range, they may be right off your shoreline in just a few feet of water.

The most obvious giveaway is the 'bullseye'—a large, multi-colored eyespot located right in the center of its back. They are also much smaller and more circular than common stingrays or guitarfish.

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