Superorder Batoidea
Rays & Skates
Flattened cartilaginous fish related to sharks, rays and skates glide gracefully along ocean floors worldwide. These bottom-dwelling marine animals range from tiny skates to massive manta rays, using their wing-like pectoral fins for elegant underwater flight.
🧬 Scientific Profile
Discover the fascinating biology and behavior of rays & skates
Habitat & Range
Found in oceans worldwide from shallow coastal waters to deep sea environments. Some species prefer sandy bottoms, others live in coral reefs.
Diet & Behavior
Most rays and skates are bottom feeders, using their flattened bodies to glide over the seafloor searching for mollusks, crustaceans, and worms.
Amazing Facts
Rays and skates are closely related to sharks, with cartilaginous skeletons. Manta rays can have wingspans up to 23 feet and are highly intelligent.
🌱 Conservation & Protection
Learn how you can help protect rays & skates and support marine conservation efforts
How You Can Help
Support sustainable fishing practices and avoid consuming ray products. Participate in citizen science projects that monitor ray populations.
💡 Every action counts! Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference for marine conservation.
Conservation Organizations
🔗 Consider donating or volunteering with these organizations to directly support rays & skates conservation.
See Rays & Skates in Person
Visit these aquariums to observe rays & skates and learn more about marine conservation
Support Conservation: Many of these aquariums participate in breeding programs, research, and education that help protect wild rays & skates populations.