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Rays

Batomorphi

Rays are cartilaginous fishes (elasmobranchs) closely related to sharks, usually grouped in Batoidea. They’re typically recognized by a flattened, disc-like body formed by greatly enlarged pectoral fins that extend forward along the head, with the mouth and gill openings on the underside. Rays are mostly marine and occur in all oceans; many are bottom-dwellers, though some (such as manta rays) swim at or near the surface and feed on plankton. There are ~600 species of rays described worldwide, and it includes animals commonly called stingrays, skates, electric rays, sawfishes, and guitarfishes. Reproduction varies, but internal fertilization is typical; skates lay eggs, while most rays other than skates bear live young.

Rays are cartilaginous fishes (elasmobranchs) closely related to sharks, usually grouped in Batoidea. They’re typically recognized by a flattened, disc-like body formed by greatly enlarged pectoral fins that extend forward along the head, with the mouth and gill openings on the underside. Rays are mostly marine and occur in all oceans; many are bottom-dwellers, though some (such as manta rays) swim at or near the surface and feed on plankton. There are ~600 species of rays described worldwide, and it includes animals commonly called stingrays, skates, electric rays, sawfishes, and guitarfishes. Reproduction varies, but internal fertilization is typical; skates lay eggs, while most rays other than skates bear live young.