Shark Ray
The shark ray is a unique species of fish that has features found in both sharks and rays. It is found in the Western Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Rhinopristiformes
Family: Rhinidae
Genus: Rhina
Species: R. ancylostoma
Common Names: Shark Ray, Bowmouth Guitarfish, Mud Skate, Bow-mouthed Angel Shark, Shortnose Mud Skate
The shark ray swims using its tail to propel itself through the water, like a shark. It feeds on small fishes and crustaceans, and its flattened teeth are made for crushing shells.
The shark ray lives in in sandy and muddy environments, but can also be found in coral reefs. They are a solitary species, preferring to be on their own.
One of its main predators is the tiger shark. The thorny ridges along the shark ray’s head and back help to provide some protection from predation.
Shark rays are viviparous, with the young developing inside the mother before being born live. Litters are typically between two and 11 pups, each measuring up to 20 inches in length.
Though its name – Shark Ray – seems to confuse the matter, this animal is a member of the order Rhinopristiformes, which includes guitarfishes, shovelnose rays, and sawfishes. Though they are not specifically rays, they are more closely related to rays than sharks.
The common name comes from the animal’s appearance, which includes a flattened head and large triangular pectoral fins like a ray, but also large pointed dorsal fins, an elongated rear body, and a two-lobed tailfin similar to that of sharks.
The shark ray is colored blue or brownish gray above, with lighter spots and markings along its body. These markings fade with age. The patterns and coloration of the shark ray are used for camouflage, and they have been shown to change color according to their surrounding environment.
Its underside is white. There are thorny ridges that run along its head and above its eyes. Its mouth and gills are located on the underside of its body, while its eyes and spiracles (openings used for breathing) are found on the upper side.
Shark rays can grow to nearly 9 feet in length. Like sharks and rays, their skeleton is made of flexible cartilage, rather than bone.
The taxonomy of shark rays is debated. They are currently grouped with rays called wedgefishes, which are closely related to the guitarfishes. Some scientists believe they are closer related to the skates of the family Rajidae, though DNA studies show them as closer to guitarfish and sawfish, as was previously believed.
The shark ray has a wide range of habitat, but it is not common in its range and is currently Critically Endangered. They are often caught in nets, both intentionally and accidentally. Their fins are used for shark fin soup, and their meat is sometimes sold to be eaten. Habitat destruction and pollution pose further threats to the species.
Shark rays are sometimes kept in public aquariums, where they are able to adapt and survive quite comfortably. A captive breeding program has even been successfully launched. These captive shark rays help to educate the public about the danger of extinction faced by these unique fish.