Ray (fish)

Rays (Batidoidimorpha, formerly Rajiformes) are a group of cartilaginous fishes. They are extremely flat but closely related to the sharks. According to recent DNA analyses the cat shark is more closely related to the rays than to other sharks. Young rays look very much like young sharks.

Most rays live at the bottom of the sea. Only a few species live in the open sea or in freshwater. Rays feed on crustaceans or fish, depending on the species. No ray is dangerous to men.

For the classification of rays see Chondrichthyes.

For the main types of rays see eagle rays, manta rays, electric rays, sawfishes.