Fin's Fish Guide
The Small-eyed ray (Raja microocellata) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 87 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and the continental shelf.
Description
The small-eyed ray is a medium-sized skate of the family Rajidae reaching a total length of about 90 cm. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, has a pointed snout and, as the name says, conspicuously small eyes. The grey-brown upper side is beautifully marked with pale, winding lines and bands that follow the edges of the fins; the underside is white. The species lives on sand bottoms of shallow coastal water and the continental shelf of the north-eastern Atlantic. On the bottom it hunts mainly sandeel and other small fish and crustaceans. It lays eggs in horny capsules and grows slowly; due to fishing it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Small-eyed ray?
The Small-eyed ray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Ray with strikingly small eyes and a grey-brown upper side with pale, meandering lines and bands that follow the fin margins.
Where does the Small-eyed ray live?
The Small-eyed ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and the continental shelf.
How big does the Small-eyed ray get?
The Small-eyed ray grows to a maximum of about 87 cm.
Is the Small-eyed ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Small-eyed ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Small-eyed ray edible?
The Small-eyed ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Small-eyed 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 Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Small-eyed ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Small-eyed ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.