Rays and skates are cartilaginous fishes with highly developed
pectoral fins blended into the body forming what is known as the
disc. Depending on the family, the disc is designed for sustained
cruising or resting comfortably on the seafloor and their feeding habits
reflect the primary habitat. Mantas and Mobulas filter-feed upon zooplankton
in the water column while typical bottom-feeders root for buried
shellfish. Electric Rays stun fish by swimming above them to deliver a powerful shock created by specialized muscles under the
disc. Some species defend themselves with venomous spines at the
base of the tail. |