Sandy ray

The sandy ray (Leucoraja circularis) or sandy skate is a species of ray in the family Rajidae.

Description
It maximum length is 1.2 m, typical adults measuring 70 cm. It has a short snout with a spinulose reddish-brown dorsal surface, a tail only slightly longer than body, and a white underside. A distinctive feature is the 4–6 creamy-coloured spots on each wing.

Habitat
The sandy ray lives in the demersal zone of the offshore waters of Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, at depths between 70 m and 676 m. According to the FAO this species should be considered extinct in Mediterranean Sea, but recent records contradict this view.

Behaviour
The sandy ray lays its eggs between August and November and feeds on benthic invertebrates and small bony fish.