Short pointed snout and (unsurprisingly) small eyes with spiracles just behind. Colour can range from grey to green and brown with small dark dots and lighter lines crossing the body. Spines and spikes run down the central section of the body and tail, but these lie almost flat against the body. Tail is slightly shorter than the body and the underside is white.
Distribution
Found mainly around the south and west of the British Isles. Small, isolated populations can be found elsewhere around the UK but they are absent from much of the North Sea.
Feeds On
Mostly fish but will also take worms and crustaceans.
- Scientific name: Raja microocellata
- Also known as: Painted Ray
- Size: Up to 3ft and 20lbs. UK shore caught typically 2-6lbs.
- UK minimum size: 16ins/41cm from wingtip to wingtip.
- UK shore caught record: 15lbs
- IUCN Status: NT (Near Threatened)
