Fin's Fish Guide
The Ray (Sympterygia bonapartii) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 63 cm.
Southwest Atlantic; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf off southern South America.
Description
The smallnose fanskate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the south-western Atlantic off southern South America. The species grows to about 63 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a pointed snout. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous, with a distinct pairing in which the partners embrace; young sometimes follow large objects. Owing to fishing as bycatch the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). 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. Flat, diamond-shaped disc with a pointed snout; near threatened (NT) 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. Southwest Atlantic; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf off southern South America.
How big does the Ray get?
The Ray grows to a maximum of about 63 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?
Yes, the Ray is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sympterygia
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.