Fin's Fish Guide
The Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 81 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The cuckoo ray is a flat cartilaginous fish of the family Rajidae reaching a wingspan of about 80 cm. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, is brownish, but its unmistakable feature is a large eyespot on each pectoral fin: a black-and-yellow marbled circle. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to nearly a thousand metres. On the bottom it hunts crabs, shrimps, worms and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules. Its stock is considered fairly stable, so the species is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cuckoo ray?
The Cuckoo ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray with a striking large eyespot on each pectoral fin: a black-and-yellow marbled circle, a unique identifying mark.
Where does the Cuckoo ray live?
The Cuckoo ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Cuckoo ray get?
The Cuckoo ray grows to a maximum of about 81 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Cuckoo ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Cuckoo ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cuckoo ray edible?
Yes, the Cuckoo ray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Cuckoo ray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leucoraja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Cuckoo ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cuckoo ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.