Fin's Fish Guide
The Ray (Psammobatis rudis) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic; from Chile around Cape Horn to Argentina, on the continental shelf.
Description
The smallthorn sand skate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the south-eastern Pacific and south-western Atlantic around southern South America. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with numerous small thorns and a short snout. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Reproduction is oviparous, with a distinct pairing in which the partners embrace. Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ray?
The Ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped disc with numerous small thorns; cold-water ray without a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Ray live?
The Ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic; from Chile around Cape Horn to Argentina, on the continental shelf.
How big does the Ray get?
The Ray grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ray edible?
The Ray is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Psammobatis
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.