RaysBatoidea

Rays (Batoidea) are cartilaginous fishes with flattened bodies and broad, wing-like pectoral fins fused to the head, forming a disc. Five to seven pairs of gill slits are located ventrally. Body shapes vary, from near-circular to rhomboid discs, with a slender tail that may be whip-like or carry one or more venomous spines. Sizes range from 15 cm (6 in) disc width to large pelagic rays exceeding 7 metres (23 ft) across. Many bottom-dwelling species exhibit cryptic colours - mottled browns, greys, or sands - for camouflage.

Most rays are demersal, inhabiting sandy flats, seagrass beds, and reef slopes from the intertidal zone down to 200 metres (650 ft). They often rest partially or fully buried in sand, using spiracles behind their eyes to draw in oxygenated water for respiration. Pelagic species, such as manta and eagle rays, swim continuously in open water, often near drop-offs or pinnacles. Demersal rays typically prey on benthic invertebrates like crustaceans and molluscs, while pelagic species filter-feed on zooplankton. Various ray species are commonly encountered across 🌊 Red Sea dive sites.