Come identificare Starry Ray

Per identificare Starry Ray (Raja asterias), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

flat

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically light brown to greyish-brown, often with irregular darker spots or blotches. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored. The most distinctive feature is the presence of numerous small, star-like spines (stellate denticles) scattered across the dorsal disc and tail, which are more prominent in juveniles and along the midline in adults.

Tipo di squame

placoid

Posizione della bocca

inferior

Caratteristiche distintive

Rhomboidal disc, slightly wider than long., Snout moderately pointed., Eyes relatively small, followed by spiracles., Dorsal surface covered with numerous stellate denticles (star-like spines)., A row of larger, sharp thorns along the midline of the disc and tail, more pronounced in females and juveniles., Two small dorsal fins located near the tip of the tail., Caudal fin reduced to a small fold.

Pinna dorsale

Two small, similarly sized dorsal fins located close to the tip of the tail, separated by a short interspace.

Pinna caudale

Reduced to a low caudal fold, not a true fin.

Pinna pettorale

Large, forming the main disc of the body, confluent with the head.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are bilobed, with the anterior lobe distinct from the posterior.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Dorsal Spines

   The most reliable identifier is the presence of numerous small, star-shaped spines (stellate denticles) scattered across the entire dorsal surface of the disc and tail. These are particularly noticeable to the touch.

2. 2

   Midline Thorns

   A distinct row of larger, sharp thorns runs along the midline of the disc and tail, which can be used to differentiate it from some other ray species.

3. 3

   Snout Shape

   The snout is moderately pointed, not acutely sharp nor broadly rounded, which helps distinguish it from species like Raja clavata (Thornback Ray) or Raja miraletus (Brown Ray).

4. 4

   Coloration and Pattern

   While variable, the typical light brown to greyish-brown dorsal coloration with occasional darker spots or blotches, combined with the stellate denticles, is characteristic.

Esplora Starry Ray