Ray

Rays-   Scientific name - Batomorphi

Conservation status

There are over 600 species of Ray.

Their conservation is a major cause for concern.

According to a 2021 study in Nature, the number of oceanic sharks and Rays has declined globally by 71% over the preceding 50 years, jeopardising ‘the health of entire ocean ecosystems as well as food security for some of the world's poorest countries’.

Greenpeace have Rays on their Red List and comment: ‘Many skate and Rays populations are now severely depleted and suffer from overfishing and poor management. Many species of skates and Rays are caught by bottom trawling which impacts on seabed habitats and unintentionally catches high numbers of unwanted that is thrown back dying.’

The IUCN Red List has many Rays species  listed as Threatened.

Rays are threatened for a number of reasons including overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation and pollution.

Around Britain you can find Thornback Ray (IUCN Least Concern), Common Stingray (IUCN Vulnerable) and Undulate Ray (IUCN Near threatened)

Overview

Rays are cartilaginous fish (meaning their skeletons are primarily composed of cartilage). They are related to sharks and characterized by their flattened, disc-like bodies. They have large, wing-like  fins that are fused to their heads. They have a flattened body and are able to breathe while partially buried in the sand. Most rays are marine, but some species live in freshwater habitats. 

The Rays found around the British Isles include the Thornback Ray who have a kite shaped body with a blotchy brown or grey back. They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The Common Stingray can also be found in UK waters and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

The Undulate Ray is found around the South coast, particularly in the English Channel. They are unique to Western Europe and are globally endangered.

Most Rays live on the sea floor, mainly in coastal waters, although some live in deep waters to at least 3,000 metres.

Rays typically feed on snails, clams, oysters, crustaceans, and some fish,

They are prey to sharks, seals, and sea lions.

Sources

Nature - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_(journal)

Marine Conservation Society - https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/?search=rays&page=1

IUCN - https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Rays&searchType=species

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batomorphi