How to Identify Small-eyed Ray

To identify Small-eyed Ray (Malairaja microocellata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically light brown to greyish-brown, often with scattered small, dark spots or blotches. Ventral surface is white, sometimes with dusky margins. The eyes are notably small relative to the head size.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Small eyes, Smooth dorsal disc in adults (juveniles may have some thorns), Relatively short, stout tail with two small dorsal fins near the tip, Absence of a prominent thorn row along the midline of the disc in adults

Dorsal fin

Two small dorsal fins located close to the tip of the tail.

Tail fin

Short and stout, with a small caudal fin fold.

Pectoral fin

Large, wing-like pectoral fins forming the disc.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are bilobed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye Size

   The most distinguishing feature is its small eyes relative to the head size, which gives it its common name. This is a key differentiator from other sympatric skate species.

2. 2

   Dorsal Thorns

   Adults are largely smooth-bodied dorsally, lacking the prominent rows of thorns found in many other skates. Juveniles may have some scattered thorns, particularly along the midline and around the eyes, but these are lost with age.

3. 3

   Coloration

   The generally uniform light brown to greyish-brown dorsal coloration, often with subtle darker spots, helps distinguish it from more heavily patterned skates.

4. 4

   Tail

   The relatively short and stout tail, bearing two small dorsal fins near its tip, is also characteristic.

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