aka Batoidea
Often mistaken for skate, ray species tend to be much bigger, are kite-shaped and possess stinging spines. Top sub-species include Blonde Ray, Common Eagle Ray, Common Stingray, Sandy Ray, Spotted Ray, Starry Ray, Thornback Ray and Undulate Ray. Preferring sandy, muddy or light shingle seabeds, most ray species are found in sub-tropical seas of the Mediterranean but the less common species are found around the UK and European waters. Rays are identified by its flat body shape, tail, ray-like fins and cartilage or lacking skeleton.
There are more than 600 species in 24 families of rays in the world's oceans with most rays communicating via body movements (tilting or lifting tails and wing-like fins)or making grunting and clapping noises, with a few ray species emitting mild electrical waves and vibrations to communicate.
Stats
Status
Habitat
Sandy, muddy beds, near rock marks in warm subtropical waters.
Bait
Worms, crabs, mackerel & squid.
Native or Invasive
Native
Where
Warmer waters in the southwest of the English Channel and the Irish Sea, but avoid the cooler waters of the North Sea.
Video
Blog Highlight
Thornback Rays, Skate, Roker - Boat Fishing Rigs, Tips & Tactics!
For this latest episode we headed back down to Essex to fish with our good friend Phil White, aboard his boat the Chinook III, with one species in mind, the Thornback Ray or Skate/Roker as it’s also known.The spring months can be an excellent time...
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