Ray

Ray, a popular name applied to many of the flat cartilaginous fishes or Elasmobranchs. Skate (Raia batis), Thornbacks (R. clavata), Electric Rays (Torpedo), Sting-rays (e.g. Trygon), Eagle-rays (e.g. Myliobatis) are representative. They lead a somewhat sedentary life at the bottom of the sea, moving sluggishly by undulations of the pectoral fins which form a large part of the flat body. They are all carnivorous. The true rays, of which skate and thornback are typical and very common species, form the family Raidae. Many attain a large size, sometimes measuring six feet across. The flesh is edible, but strongly flavoured and not very highly esteemed. See CARTILAGINOUS FISHES, DEVIL-FISH, ELECTRIC FISHES, SKATE.