ray

a kind of fish – flat, (mostly) disc-like body – cartilaginous (= hard, flexible bone-like substance; not bone), related to the sharks – eyes are on the top side of the disc, mouth and gill openings are on the underside of the disc, side fins formed into a fringe around the body (in most species), very short or almost no back fins, long whip-like tail (extension of the tail fin which in some species grows to 15 feet), some are disc-shaped and some are ‘kite-shaped’; size: (varies widely) the smallest (short-nose electric ray) only 4 inches across and weighs 500 grams, the largest (manta ray) 25-30 feet across and weighs about 2 tons (2000 Kg.); feeds on (eats) small fish, and shellfish – snails, clams, oysters, crab, shrimps, etc. that are found on the bottom of the sea (‘manta ray’ feeds on very small fish and plankton (= very small plant matter found in the water) by filter feeding); (lifespan varies widely) lives for 9- 25 years, depending on the species; about 500 species (combined with their close relatives ‘skates’, a kind of flat fish); found in almost all the seas of the world

Some popular rays are: stingray, electric ray, manta ray, butterfly ray, round ray, eagle ray, bonnet ray, bull ray, cow-nose ray, devil ray (manta ray), guitarfish, sawfish

Each of these rays has its own shape and size, colour pattern, habitat, food habits, etc.  Most species live on the bottom of the sea, but some swim freely near the surface of the seas!  Unlike most other fish which lay eggs, rays give birth to live young!

{The ‘X-ray fish’ is not related to the rays; it is a bony, ray-finned fish.  It is so called because it is very transparent.  “Ray-finned fish” are also not related to the rays.  It is the name given to any fish that has bones and fins eith stiff spikes joined by a thin layer of transparent skin.  ‘Lobe-finned’ fish have thick opaque fins.}

For an informative article on the difference between a ray and a skate, please click here.

Special Features: Each of the species has its own special features.  Some of them are:

Sting rays

 

 

have a sharp serrated venomous barbed tail with which it ‘stings’ the enemies.  The barb may be 14 inches long in some individuals! The world famous Australian naturalist and animal programme presenter on Animal Planet TV channel, Steve Irwin, nicknamed “crocodile hunter”, was killed by the ‘tail sting’ of a sting ray while he was shooting an under water film.

Manta rays

 

 

are the largest of all the rays.  They are also called ‘devil rays’ (?). They are one of the rays that are ‘kite’ shaped.

Though they are huge, they are not harmful to others; they feed on very small fish and plankton.

Mantas are so harmless that some fish feed on them by eating away the pieces of flesh of other fish that mantas have eaten.  They eat away the parasites and dead skin tissues on the mantas and keep the mantas clean!

electric rays

 

 

a group of rays capable of giving out an electric discharge (electric power) (ranging from 8 volts to 225 volts power) from a pair of kidney-shaped organs at the base of the side fins, with which they stun their prey (= animal they kill and eat).  Though not harmful for people, the discharge may make some sensitive people unconscious!

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