Come identificare Thornback Ray

Per identificare Thornback Ray (Raja clavata), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

flat

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically light brown to greyish-brown, often with irregular darker spots and blotches, and sometimes lighter patches. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored. Some individuals may have a distinctive ocellated spot (eye-spot) on each pectoral fin.

Tipo di squame

placoid

Posizione della bocca

inferior

Caratteristiche distintive

Rhomboidal disc, slightly wider than long., Snout is moderately long and pointed., Numerous large, sharp, thorn-like spines (bucklers) scattered over the dorsal surface, particularly prominent along the midline of the back and tail. These spines are more developed in females and juveniles., Two small dorsal fins located near the tip of the tail., Pelvic fins are deeply notched.

Pinna dorsale

Two small, similarly sized dorsal fins located close together on the posterior part of the tail.

Pinna caudale

Long, slender tail, typically shorter than the body disc, armed with rows of strong spines.

Pinna pettorale

Large, wing-like pectoral fins forming the main body disc.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are bilobed (deeply notched), a characteristic feature of many true skates.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Spination

   Look for the distinctive rhomboidal disc and the numerous, prominent thorn-like spines (bucklers) on the dorsal surface, especially along the midline and tail. The number and size of these thorns can vary with age and sex.

2. 2

   Snout

   The snout is moderately pointed, not excessively long or blunt.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Observe the dorsal coloration, which is typically brownish with darker spots and sometimes lighter patches. The ventral side is white.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Note the deeply notched (bilobed) pelvic fins, which are characteristic of the genus Raja.

Esplora Thornback Ray