Sandy ray explained

The sandy ray (Leucoraja circularis) or sandy skate^[1] is a species of ray in the family Rajidae.^{[2] [3]}

Description

It maximum length is, typical adults measuring . It has a short snout with a spinulose reddish-brown dorsal surface, a tail only slightly longer than body, and a white underside. A distinctive feature is the 4–6 creamy-coloured spots on each wing.^[4]

Habitat

The sandy ray lives in the demersal zone of the offshore waters of Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, at depths between and .^[5] According to the FAO this species should be considered extinct in Mediterranean Sea, but recent records contradict this view.^[6]

Behaviour

The sandy ray lays its eggs between August and November and feeds on benthic invertebrates and small bony fish.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Book: Sharks and Their Relatives II: Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation. Jeffrey C.. Carrier. John A.. Musick. Michael R.. Heithaus. March 9, 2010. CRC Press. 9781420080483. Google Books.
2. Web site: Leucoraja circularis, Sandy ray : Fisheries.
3. Web site: sandy-ray-leucoraja-circularis-the-shark-trust. yumpu.com.
4. Web site: MarLIN - The Marine Life Information Network - Sandy ray (Leucoraja circularis). www.marlin.ac.uk.
5. Web site: Leucoraja circularis, Sandy ray : fisheries . 2023-02-20 . www.fishbase.se.
6. Guide of Mediterranean Skates and Rays (Leucoraja circularis). Oct. 2022. Mendez L., Bacquet A. and F. Briand. https://ciesm.org/marine/programs/skatesandrays/leucoraja-circularis/
7. Book: Rays of the World. Peter. Last. Gavin. Naylor. Bernard. Séret. William. White. Matthias. Stehmann. Marcelo de. Carvalho. December 1, 2016. Csiro Publishing. 9780643109155. Google Books.