Fin's Fish Guide
The Sandy ray (Leucoraja circularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The sandy ray is a large skate of the family Rajidae reaching a total length of about 1.2 metres. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, has a red-brown upper side that usually bears four to six pale, round spots; a row of thorns runs over the back and tail. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and upper slope of the north-eastern Atlantic and the western Mediterranean. On the bottom it hunts crustaceans, small fish and squid. It lays eggs in horny capsules and grows slowly, which makes it sensitive to fishing; through sharp decline it is assessed as Endangered (EN). It should not be confused with the true cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sandy ray?
The Sandy ray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Ray with a red-brown upper side that usually bears four to six pale, round spots; a row of thorns over the back and tail.
Where does the Sandy ray live?
The Sandy ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Sandy ray get?
The Sandy ray grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Sandy ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Sandy ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sandy ray edible?
The Sandy ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sandy 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 Sandy ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sandy ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.