Ray

A ray is a cartilaginous fish that belongs to the superorder Batoidea, which also includes skates. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, large pectoral fins that are fused to their heads, and gill slits located on their underside.

Rays have a flattened, disc-shaped body that can be either rounded, diamond-shaped, or triangular. They have large, wing-like pectoral fins that they use to "fly" through the water. Their eyes and spiracles (breathing holes) are located on top of their heads, while their mouth and gill slits are on their underside. Many species, such as stingrays, have a venomous spine on their tail for defense.

Rays are found in all of the world's oceans, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Many species are bottom-dwellers that spend their lives partially buried in the sand or mud. They are carnivores, with a diet that consists of shellfish, crustaceans, and small fish, which they crush with their powerful jaws.

Unlike most fish, which lay eggs, many species of rays give birth to live young. This reproductive strategy is called ovoviviparity, where eggs are hatched inside the mother's body, and the young are then born live.