Spotted ray explained

The spotted ray or spotted skate (Raja montagui) is a species of skate in the family Rajidae.^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

The Spotted ray is found in the Atlantic Ocean from the Irish Sea to Morocco and in the Mediterranean as well.^[3]

Description

Like all rays, the spotted ray has a flattened body with broad, wing-like pectoral fins. The body is sub-rhomboid. The dorsum is brown with dark spots.

Its maximum length is, making it one of the smallest skates.^[4]

Behaviour

The spotted ray buries itself in sand to ambush prey and avoid predators. It mainly feeds on crustaceans, polychaetes, teleosts and molluscs.^{[5] [6]}

Life cycle

Spotted rays are oviparous with eggs laid in summer. The pups hatch fully formed, about long, after 5 or 6 months.^[6]

External links

• • Fishbase Database: Raja montagui

Notes and References

1. Web site: Bilješke. June 27, 1974. Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo - Split. Google Books.
2. Web site: Changes in the North Sea Ecosystem and Their Causes: Århus 1975 Revisited : Proceedings of an ICES International Symposium Held in Århus, Denmark, 11-14 July 1995. June 27, 1996. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Google Books.
3. Guide of Mediterranean Skates and Rays (Raja montagui). Oct. 2022. Mendez L., Bacquet A. and F. Briand. http://www.ciesm.org/Guide/skatesandrays/raja-montagui
4. Web site: Spotted ray | The Wildlife Trusts. www.wildlifetrusts.org.
5. Web site: MarLIN - The Marine Life Information Network - Spotted Ray (Raja montagui). www.marlin.ac.uk.
6. Web site: Raja montagui, Spotted ray : fisheries. www.fishbase.se.