[2][3] In the past it was included in the spotted eagle ray (A. narinari), a species restricted to the Atlantic after the split.

The background coloration of the dorsal surface in A. ocellatus is dark greenish/greying to almost blackish whereas A. narinari is much paler, medium yellowish to brownish.

[4] Their foraging range is based on anthropogenic noises with populations structured according to ontogenetic stage.

[7] The ocellated eagle ray exhibits ovoviviparity with embryos feeding on yolk initially, then receiving additional nutrients from the mother through indirect absorption of enriched uterine fluid.

[9] The ocellated eagle ray feeds primarily on gastropod, bivalve molluscs, crustaceans, worms, octopuses and fishes.