like a big pizza pie, thats no mas.

You aren't talking about this.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,340009,00.html

Thanks for posting the story, Bobber.

I've seen a number of Spotted Eagle Rays, even close up, and never noticed whether they actually have a spine (sting). I know they have a loooong tail. Can any of you clarify this for me?

Yes Spotted Eagle Rays do have stingers on their tails. I believe Manta Rays are the only rays without Stingers

My Reef fish book says they have 1 to 5 venemous spines. They must be small because they are not very noticable.

Ironically, just last week something similar happened to my husband. Fortunately, the spotted ray hit the bar that holds the top up (and not my husband) then fell back into the water. Nothing exciting ever happens when I'm in the boat! But that might be a good thing.

The spines are at the base of the tail where it connects to the body. The spines look like Freddy Kruger's fingernails only meaner.
Even thought they are lighting fast with the stinging movement and its fatal they are a slow moving peaceful creatures.
Ramon Nunez lived through a sting in the leg. he has a great story about it.

One of the Leslie boys got hit by an airborn Eagle Ray while Windsurfing a few years ago - it left one of its barbs in his life jacket.

I heard a followup report this morning and the Ray did not sting her. She died from trauma to her head when the ray knocked her down. This could have happened with large fish being caught.

Bill, what did this thread start out to be? Sorry for the hijack.