Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown ray (Raja miraletus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 63 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to Morocco and Madeira, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The brown ray is a small, diamond-shaped skate of the family Rajidae reaching about 63 cm. The upper side is ochre to reddish-brown with dark speckles, the underside white. Its most striking feature is a pair of bright blue eyespots, each ringed in yellow and black, set on the bases of the pectoral fins. The species lives on soft sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually between 50 and 150 m, feeding on a variety of bottom animals and fish offal. It is oviparous, laying horny egg cases with pointed horns. The brown ray is regularly landed as a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown ray?
The Brown ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray with a striking blue eyespot with a yellow and black ring at each pectoral fin base; upper side ochre-brown with dark speckles.
Where does the Brown ray live?
The Brown ray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to Morocco and Madeira, including the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Brown ray get?
The Brown ray grows to a maximum of about 63 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Brown ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown ray edible?
Yes, the Brown ray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brown ray and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Brown ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.