Fin's Fish Guide
The Thornback ray (Raja clavata) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 105 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The thornback ray is a flat cartilaginous fish of the family Rajidae reaching a wingspan of about 1 metre. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, is brownish with light and dark spots giving good camouflage on the bottom. Characteristic are the rows of curved thorns on the back and tail and the large 'bucklers' on thickened skin plates, from which the species takes its name. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to hundreds of metres. On the bottom it hunts crabs, shrimps, shellfish and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules. Due to fishing it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thornback ray?
The Thornback ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Flat ray with a diamond-shaped body and rows of curved thorns on the back and tail; often with large 'button thorns' on thickened skin plates.
Where does the Thornback ray live?
The Thornback ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Thornback ray get?
The Thornback ray grows to a maximum of about 105 cm. On average the species is around 85 cm.
Is the Thornback ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Thornback ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Thornback ray edible?
Yes, the Thornback ray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Thornback ray and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Thornback ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thornback ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Thornback ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thornback ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.