Brown Ray Fish
In true rays and skates (order Rajiformes) and stingrays (order Myliobatiformes), the body and the wing-like pectoral and pelvic fins together form a single distinct unit called the pectoral disc; it is usually diamond-shaped. There is no real biological distinction between rays and skates, but skates generally have a much more pointed snout than rays; both have a slender tail. The brown ray, one of many species found in European and African waters, has a distinctive bright blue and yellow ‘eye’ spot on each side of the brown, speckled back. Males have three rows of spines along the centre of the tail, females five rows. The underside is white.
Scientific name : Raja miraletus
Classification : Order Rajiformes (skates and true rays)
Family : Rajidae
Size : Up to about 63cm (25in) long; female slightly smaller
Distribution : Eastern Atlantic; Mediterraean; south-western Indian Ocean
Habitat : Warm temperate and tropical waters, to depth of 300m (1000ft)
Diet : Bottom-living fish and invertebrates; remains of dead creatures
Reproduction : Up to 70 eggs, laid in 4.5cm (1%in) capsules on sandy or muddy flats