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Starry ray (Amblyraja radiata)

Photo of Starry ray (Amblyraja radiata)

Key facts

Scientific name
Amblyraja radiata
Common name
Starry ray
Category
Fish
Family
Rajidae
Genus
Amblyraja
Size
50–100 cm
Depth
18–1500 m
IUCN status
Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level
Caution
Habitats
sand, rocky-reef
Behaviours
solitary
Ocean zones
East Atlantic

Description

Amblyraja radiata reaches 1 m. Ray (Rajidae) boreal-arctic Northeast Atlantic, North Sea, Northwest Atlantic. Flat gray-brown body with spines distinctly arranged in central radial lines on back (hence radiata). Lives from 18 to 1500 m on sand, rocky bottoms and glacial zones of North Atlantic and Arctic. Listed VU by IUCN. Commercial fishery and bycatch. Accessible wide-angle photo subject in temperate boreal diving (Norway, UK). Distinctive by clearly visible spines.

Photo of Starry ray

Photo of Starry ray (Amblyraja radiata)Photo of Starry ray (Amblyraja radiata)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Starry ray?
Starry ray (Amblyraja radiata) reaches 50–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Starry ray?
Starry ray is found between 18–1500 m deep.
Is the Starry ray dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Caution.
What is the conservation status of the Starry ray?
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Starry ray?
Found in: East Atlantic.

Other species in the family Rajidae

  • Leucoraja naevus - Cuckoo ray
  • Dipturus batis - Common skate
  • Dipturus oxyrinchus - Longnose skate
  • Raja brachyura - Blonde ray
  • Raja microocellata - Small-eyed ray
  • Raja clavata - Thornback ray

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105865)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2420446)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia