Rays, just like sharks, are fish with the unique feature of having a cartilaginous skeleton. They are part of the elasmobranchs, a subclass of cartilaginous fish grouped within the class Chondrichthyes.

Rays are classified into three main orders, namely:

1.  the order Myliobatiformes13 species

Atlantic white-spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus narinari)

Fantail stingray
(Pastinachus sephen)

Giant manta
(Mobula birostris)

Southern stingray
(Dasyatis americana)
2.  the order Rajiformes3 species

Big skate
(Raja binoculata)

Blonde skate
(Raja brachyura)

Thornback ray
(Raja clavata)
3.  the order Torpédiniformes6 species

Bullseye electric ray
(Diplobatis ommata)

Lesser electric ray
(Narcine bancroftii)

Ocellate torpedo
(Torpedo torpedo)

Panther electric ray
(Torpedo panthera)

Rays are characterized by a flattened body that extends on each side into large pectoral fins called “wings.” The body and pectoral fins form a single continuous structure. Unlike sharks, the gill slits are located on the ventral side of the ray and number five pairs for most species.

Rays display colors and patterns that allow them to blend easily with their surroundings.

Rays are found in all seas and oceans across the globe, at all latitudes and depths: from warm tropical waters to icy polar regions, from shallow coastal waters and coral reefs to deep waters!

While most rays live on or buried in the seafloor, some species are pelagic, such as the manta ray or eagle rays.

Rays remain camouflaged in their environment to avoid predators and to ambush their prey more effectively.

Rays have a very varied diet. Their menu mainly includes benthic species such as gastropods, shellfish and crustaceans, while the manta ray feeds exclusively on plankton.

In most fish, fertilization is external, occurring after the release of male and female gametes into the seawater. However, rays, like sharks, are an exception to this rule and exhibit internal fertilization.

All rays exhibit internal fertilization, but the development and nourishment of the embryo vary depending on the species. Some rays are oviparous, while others are ovoviviparous.

• The manta ray is the largest ray in the world, reaching up to 30 feet in length for the largest individuals!
• Some ray species have a stinger at the base of the tail, whose sting can be painful and sometimes even lethal.
• Rays are capable of leaping out of the water !