SEA Undersea

Rays are easy to identify, for the most part. Their pectoral fins have expanded to become "wings" that propell the ray through the water. Like sharks, rays don't have bones but have a skeletal structure made of cartilage. Many rays do have a stinger in their tails, which should be avoided.

Blue Spotted Ray
Blue Spotted Ray
Manta Ray
Manta Ray
NSouthern Stingray
Southern Stingray
Torpedo Ray
Torpedo Ray
Yellow Ray
Yellow Ray

Manta Ray

Scientific name: Manta birostris

Mantas are the largest of the rays, and among the largest of all fishes. They also have the largest brain to body ratio of all the sharks and rays, which might explain why they're relatively curious about divers. Rather than objecting to our presence, they often come to investigate divers. In Hawaii, where the photo was taken, they even seemed to enjoy putting on a show for the tourists.

Southern Stingray

Scientific name: Hypanus americanus

This juvenile was snapped at Gibbs Cay near Grand Turk. It's a popular stop for tourists and divers where the rays are used to being fed by the guides. The rays will rub up against your legs like hungry cats. Like cats, their skin is actually quite velvety.

Blue Spotted Ray

Also called: Bluespotted ribbontail ray, blue dot ray

Scientific name: Taeniura lymma

The blue-spotted ray seems to be the most common ray that you're likely to see around Southeast Asia. I've seen them in almost every area. Note that this is a stingray, so you want to keep your distance from the tail.

Torpedo Ray

Also called: Electric Ray

Scientific name: Torpedo marmorata

Torpedos are a large group of rays, all of which are capable of delivering an electric shock.

Yellow Ray

Scientific name: Urobatis jamaicensis