Rays | Batoidea

Rays | Batoidea

Description
Description

Batoidea, or rays, are the largest group of fish whose bodies are made out of cartilage instead of bones—similar to their relatives the shark. Rays are easily identifiable by their flat bodies with elongated fins attached to their heads, and gills placed on their underbellies. There are three groups of rays, the Manta ray, Stingray, and the Spotted Eagleray. All rays have a tail with a poisonous barb on the end that is used for self-protection and can cause serious harm or even death in its target. Some rays are shy while others are sociable, they live in sandy areas, open water, or coral reefs, and can be found in every ocean.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Rays, part of the Batoidea family, possess a unique, flattened body with pectoral fins fused to their heads, creating a distinctive 'wing-like' appearance. Unlike the typical fish shape, their anatomy is adapted for a life on the ocean floor. Rays glide gracefully through water with undulating movements of their wide fins, resembling underwater flight. They lack vocal cords for speech but communicate through electrical signals and body language. With eyes atop their bodies and mouths underneath, they're well-equipped for bottom-feeding. Their senses are acute; they utilize a specialized system, ampullae of Lorenzini, to detect the electric fields of prey, making them effective hunters.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have long been fascinated by rays, with their graceful movements inspiring admiration and featuring in oceanic documentaries and aquariums worldwide. Historically, rays have been hunted for their meat, skin, and even cartilage for various uses. In modern times, rays have gained significant attention in pop culture, often portrayed as gentle giants of the sea in films like "Finding Nemo."

Sadly, many species face threats from overfishing and habitat loss, leading to a decline in their populations. Recognizing their ecological importance, conservation efforts have intensified, with initiatives aimed at protecting their habitats, regulating fishing practices, and raising public awareness about their conservation status.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do rays eat?

Most ray species consume a carnivorous diet. The diet of rays affects their physical attributes such as their shape and colors. They tend to eat animals that live on or beneath the sand such as worms, clams, oysters, snails, and shrimp. Rays may also eat small fish and squids.

How big do rays get?

Rays may reach a wingspan ranging from 12 inches (31 cm) in a yellow stingray and up to 23 feet (7 m) in manta rays. Manta rays can reach a weight of up to 2 tons. Females typically are larger than males in order to accommodate their offspring during pregnancy.

Why do rays jump?

Rays jump out of the water to eat or avoid getting eaten by a predator. If they are being chased by a predator, they may jump out of the water to confuse their chaser. At times they may be startled by a motorboat which causes them to jump as a response.

Animals

* Under Development *

12”-18” | 30.5-46 cm
11.4”-17.7” | 29-45 cm (Disc)
6.6-13.2 lb | 3-6 kg
8-10 years
Atlantic Stingray
46.000
45.000
6.000
10.00
1705
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Stingray
13”-21” | 33-53 cm
19.3”-30.3” | 49-77 cm
30-40 lb | 13.6-18 kg
5-8 years
Clearnose Skate
53.000
77.000
18.000
8.00
1940
GUIDE
3D
Clearnose Skate
10.2”-18.1” | 26-46 cm
16”-28” | 41-71 cm
13.2-28.7 lb | 6-13 kg
16-24 years
Coffin Ray
46.000
71.000
13.000
24.00
2800
GUIDE
3D
Coffin Ray
24”-33” | 61-84 cm
14.6”-20.5” | 37-52 cm (Disc)
11-32 lb | 5-14.5 kg
15-20 years
Common Eagle Ray
84.000
52.000
14.500
20.00
25500
GUIDE
3D
Common Eagle Ray
9.8”-22” | 25-56 cm
30”-64” | 76-163 cm
55-65 lb | 25-29.5 kg
16-24 years
Common Guitarfish
56.000
163.000
29.500
24.00
7310
GUIDE
3D
Common Guitarfish
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
6.6’-9.4’ | 2-2.85 m (Total)
220-330 lb | 100-150 kg
50-55 years
Common Skate
200.000
285.000
150.000
55.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Common Skate
18”-55” | 46-140 cm
14.6”-44.5” | 37-113 cm (Disc)
31-70.5 lb | 14-32 kg
15-21 years
Common Stingray
140.000
113.000
32.000
21.00
357700
GUIDE
3D
Common Stingray
7.9”-16.1” | 20-41 cm
12”-24” | 30.5-61 cm
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
10-15 years
Common Torpedo
41.000
61.000
10.000
15.00
550
GUIDE
3D
Common Torpedo
30”-45” | 76-114 cm
18.9”-28.3” | 48-72 cm (Disc)
26.5-50.7 lb | 12-23 kg
13-18 years
Cownose Ray
114.000
72.000
23.000
18.00
12200
GUIDE
3D
Cownose Ray
9’-17’ | 2.74-5.18 m
5.3’-10.17’ | 1.61-3.10 m
661-794 lb | 300-360 kg
15-20 years
Devil Fish
518.000
310.000
360.000
20.00
19500
GUIDE
3D
Devil Fish
6.25’-8’ | 1.91-2.44 m
6.6’-8.5’ | 2-2.6 m (Disc)
794-1,323 lb | 360-600 kg
5-10 years
Giant Freshwater Stingray
244.000
260.000
600.000
10.00
2620
GUIDE
3D
Giant Freshwater Stingray
33.3”-40.6” | 77-103 cm
6.75’-8.83’ | 2.06-2.69 m
275-507 lb | 125-230 kg
16-20 years
Giant Guitarfish
103.000
269.000
230.000
20.00
780
GUIDE
3D
Giant Guitarfish
15’-23’ | 4.6-7 m
15’-23’ | 4.6-7 m
5,300-6,600 lb | 2,400-3,000 kg
18-20 years
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
700.000
700.000
3000.000
20.00
8900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
9.83’-11.5’ | 3-3.5 m
5’-5.75’ | 1.52-1.75 m
1,543-3,086 lb | 700-1,400 kg
40-50 years
Reef Manta Ray
350.000
175.000
1400.000
50.00
2920
GUIDE
3D
Reef Manta Ray
31.1”-46.5” | 79-118 cm
6’-8.83’ | 1.83-2.69 m
187-298 lb | 85-135 kg
10-25 years
Shark Ray
118.000
269.000
135.000
25.00
3350
GUIDE
3D
Shark Ray
11.8”-22” | 30-56 cm
30”-54” | 76-137 cm
40-48.5 lb | 18-22 kg
11-16 years
Shovelnose Guitarfish
56.000
137.000
22.000
16.00
2810
GUIDE
3D
Shovelnose Guitarfish
24”-60” | 61-152 cm
20.5”-52.2” | 52-130 cm (Disc)
160-215 lb | 73-98 kg
12-17 years
Southern Stingray
152.000
130.000
98.000
17.00
2920
GUIDE
3D
Southern Stingray
9’-10’ | 2.74-3.05 m
5.33’-6’ | 1.62-1.84 m
397-507 lb | 180-230 kg
15-20 years
Spotted Eagle Ray
305.000
184.000
230.000
20.00
11500
GUIDE
3D
Spotted Eagle Ray
Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi)
Comparison drawing of the Reef Manta Ray compared to other similar rays and a person

The reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) comes second after the giant oceanic manta ray in terms of size and prefers shallow water and coastal habitat unlike the latter. The fish fit in the family Mobulidae, popular to Indo-Pacific tropical and subtropical waters and also east and the western Atlantic Ocean. The reef manta ray is ovoviviparous and coils the cephalic when swimming. Like the giant oceanic manta ray, it is also a filter-feeder and visits cleaning stations to get rid of parasites and dead skin cells. The reef manta ray migrates, covering great distances and sometimes jumps out of water.

Reef Manta Rays have a total width between 9.83’-11.5’ (3-3.5 m) and overall body length of 5’-5.75’ (1.52-1.75 m). The typical weight of the Reef Manta Ray is in the range of 1,543-3,086 lb (700-1,400 kg). Reef Manta Rays have lifespans between 40-50 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Reef Manta Ray viewed from the side and top
The reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) comes second after the giant oceanic manta ray in terms of size and prefers shallow water and coastal habitat unlike the latter. The fish fit in the family Mobulidae, popular to Indo-Pacific tropical and subtropical waters and also east and the western Atlantic.

Reef Manta Rays have a total width between 9.83’-11.5’ (3-3.5 m) and overall body length of 5’-5.75’ (1.52-1.75 m). The typical weight of the Reef Manta Ray is in the range of 1,543-3,086 lb (700-1,400 kg). Reef Manta Rays have lifespans between 40-50 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Reef Manta Ray viewed from the side and top
Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi)
Height:
Width:
9.83’-11.5’ | 3-3.5 m
Length:
5’-5.75’ | 1.52-1.75 m
Depth:
Weight:
1,543-3,086 lb | 700-1,400 kg
Area:

Tail Length: .3-.4x body length

Scientific Name
Mobula alfredi
Lifespan
40-50 years

Drawings include:

Reef Manta Ray side elevation, front, top

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus)
Comparison drawing of the Cownose Ray compared to other similar rays and a person

Unlike other rays that prefer to remain immobile on the seabed, the cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) is a bold swimmer, great traveler—migrating great distances, and social as they flock in large schools of varying age and sex. The cownose ray is metropolitan in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Ocean; a representative of the family Rhinopteridae, and has a rapid growth rate. The long pointed pectoral fins separated into two lobes help create their high-domed heads, which resemble a cow’s nose from where it gets its name. The fish love to swim near the surface and can inflict a poisonous sting though non-fatal.

Cownose Rays have a total width between 30”-45” (76-114 cm) and overall disc length of 18.9”-28.3” (48-72 cm). The typical weight of the Cownose Ray is in the range of 26.5-50.7 lb (12-23 kg). Cownose Rays have lifespans between 13-18 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Cownose Ray viewed from the side and top
Unlike other rays that prefer to remain immobile on the seabed, the cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) is a bold swimmer, great traveler—migrating great distances, and social as they flock in large schools of varying age and sex. The cownose ray is metropolitan in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic.

Cownose Rays have a total width between 30”-45” (76-114 cm) and overall disc length of 18.9”-28.3” (48-72 cm). The typical weight of the Cownose Ray is in the range of 26.5-50.7 lb (12-23 kg). Cownose Rays have lifespans between 13-18 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Cownose Ray viewed from the side and top
Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus)
Height:
Width:
30”-45” | 76-114 cm
Length:
18.9”-28.3” | 48-72 cm (Disc)
Depth:
Weight:
26.5-50.7 lb | 12-23 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 2x body length

Scientific Name
Rhinoptera bonasus
Lifespan
13-18 years

Drawings include:

Cownose Ray side elevation, front, top

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Common Eagle Ray (Myliobatis aquila)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Common Eagle Ray to a typical person and similar rays

From a distance, you may confuse the common eagle ray (Myliobatis Aquila) to be an eagle until you see its slender long tail with a large spine, single dorsal fin, and triangular pectoral fin making the fish mirror a rhomboid disc. These ovoviviparous animals love to school in bays, estuaries, and lagoons. The common eagle fish fit into the family Myliobatidae and are also called spotted eagle ray, toadfish, eagle ray, mill skate, sea eagle, and miller. It is a popular recreational fish in the Mediterranean Sea, Southwestern Indian Ocean, and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The sharp spine at the base of the tail may look dangerous but harmless.

Common Eagle Rays have a total width between 24”-33” (61-84 cm) and overall disc length of 14.6”-20.5” (37-52 cm). The typical weight of the Common Eagle Ray is in the range of 11-32 lb (5-14.5 kg). Common Eagle Rays have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Eagle Ray in top and side poses
From a distance, you may confuse the common eagle ray (Myliobatis Aquila) to be an eagle until you see its slender long tail with a large spine, single dorsal fin, and triangular pectoral fin making the fish mirror a rhomboid disc. These ovoviviparous animals love to school in bays and estuaries.

Common Eagle Rays have a total width between 24”-33” (61-84 cm) and overall disc length of 14.6”-20.5” (37-52 cm). The typical weight of the Common Eagle Ray is in the range of 11-32 lb (5-14.5 kg). Common Eagle Rays have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Eagle Ray in top and side poses
Common Eagle Ray (Myliobatis aquila)
Height:
Width:
24”-33” | 61-84 cm
Length:
14.6”-20.5” | 37-52 cm (Disc)
Depth:
Weight:
11-32 lb | 5-14.5 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 2.5-3x disc width

Scientific Name
Myliobatis aquila
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Common Eagle Ray side elevation, front, top

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Coffin Ray (Hypnos monopterygius)
Comparison drawing of the Coffin Ray compared to other similar rays and a person

The Australian numbfish or the coffin ray (Hypnos monopterygius), is native to Australia’s waters. It loves sandy and muddy habitats of inshore water. Like other rays, the coffin ray is sluggish, nocturnal, exhibits viviparity, and produces a powerful electric shock in defense and attack mode. Alternatively, the coffin ray can also be recognized by its extremely shorter tail, enlarged pectoral fin, diminutive dorsal, and caudal fins in its posterior giving it a pear-like shape. The fish is a representative of the family Hypnidae possessing tiny eyes, but with a large distensible mouth and brown coats.

Coffin Rays have a total width between 10.2”-18.1” (26-46 cm) and overall length of 16”-28” (41-71 cm). The typical weight of the Coffin Ray is in the range of 13.2-28.7 lb (6-13 kg). Coffin Rays have lifespans between 16-24 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Coffin Ray viewed from the side and top
The Australian numbfish or the coffin ray (Hypnos monopterygius), is native to Australia’s waters. It loves sandy and muddy habitats of inshore water. Like other rays, the coffin ray is sluggish, nocturnal, exhibits viviparity, and produces a powerful electric shock in defense and attack mode.

Coffin Rays have a total width between 10.2”-18.1” (26-46 cm) and overall length of 16”-28” (41-71 cm). The typical weight of the Coffin Ray is in the range of 13.2-28.7 lb (6-13 kg). Coffin Rays have lifespans between 16-24 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Coffin Ray viewed from the side and top
Coffin Ray (Hypnos monopterygius)
Height:
Width:
10.2”-18.1” | 26-46 cm
Length:
16”-28” | 41-71 cm
Depth:
Weight:
13.2-28.7 lb | 6-13 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Hypnos monopterygius
Lifespan
16-24 years

Drawings include:

Coffin Ray side elevation, front, top

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus)
Comparison drawing of the Giant Guitarfish compared to other similar rays and a person

The giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) looks like a shark because of its shark-like dorsal tail and elongated pointed snout, however, it is no shark, as it fits in the family Rhinidae, and harmless to humans. It is also called whitespotted wedge fish and common to the western Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. A black spot is present above each pectoral fin of juveniles while in adults, it is absent or maybe a dusky ring. Slow growth rate, fondness for coastal habitat, increasing demand for its meat, fins, and ease of catch by various fishing gear make it an imperiled species.

Giant Guitarfish have a total width between 33.3”-40.6” (77-103 cm) and overall length of 6.75’-8.83’ (2.06-2.69 m). The typical weight of the Giant Guitarfish is in the range of 275-507 lb (125-230 kg). Giant Guitarfish have lifespans between 16-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Giant Guitarfish viewed from the side and top
The giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) looks like a shark because of its shark-like dorsal tail and elongated pointed snout, however, it is no shark, as it fits in the family Rhinidae, and harmless to humans. It is also called whitespotted wedge fish.

Giant Guitarfish have a total width between 33.3”-40.6” (77-103 cm) and overall length of 6.75’-8.83’ (2.06-2.69 m). The typical weight of the Giant Guitarfish is in the range of 275-507 lb (125-230 kg). Giant Guitarfish have lifespans between 16-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Giant Guitarfish viewed from the side and top
Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus)
Height:
Width:
33.3”-40.6” | 77-103 cm
Length:
6.75’-8.83’ | 2.06-2.69 m
Depth:
Weight:
275-507 lb | 125-230 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Glaucostegus typus
Lifespan
16-20 years

Drawings include:

Giant Guitarfish side elevation, front, top

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads