Research news on rays (class)

Rays are cartilaginous fishes classified within the subclass Elasmobranchii and the order Batoidea, characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies, enlarged pectoral fins fused to the head, and gill slits located on the ventral surface. They possess a cartilaginous endoskeleton, placoid scales, and electroreceptive organs (ampullae of Lorenzini) for detecting prey. Rays include diverse groups such as skates, stingrays, and manta rays, exhibiting varied feeding strategies from benthic invertebrate predation to planktivory. Reproduction is typically ovoviviparous or viviparous, with internal fertilization via claspers. Ecologically, rays occupy benthic and pelagic niches in marine and some freshwater systems.