Cuckoo Ray

Leucoraja naevus
Cuckoo Ray

Habitat: Sandy sea floor
Depth: 20-500m
Food: Crustaceans and bottom living fish
Length: Up to 70cm
Lifespan: 12 year
Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)

This ray is sandy brown in colour and has two ‘eye spot’ markings on its wings. Thorns run down the back and tail. Lying on the seabed, it covers itself in sand and pounces on its prey. Young cuckoo rays eat crabs and shrimps but adults prefer fish. The female cuckoo ray lays eggs called mermaids’ purses. Empty egg cases often wash up on the beach.

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