Spotted Ray

Scientific Name:

Raja montagui

Usual Size:

3lb to 5lb

UK Record Weights from rod/line:

Shore: 8lb 05oz

Boat: 8lb 03oz 14drm

Identification:

A short snouted ray with sharp disc corners forming approximately right angles. A median row of closely packed spines runs from the shoulders to the dorsal with one or two between dorsals. Colour: back, brownish with small black dots that don't reach the margins of the disc and often a pale spot with a ring of dark spots forming an ocellus on each wing.

Breeding:

Eggs in their short horned capsules are laid in shallow water during April through to July.

Habitat:

Found in deeper water 25 to 120m over sandy and rough grounds.

Food:

Mainly eats a wide range of crustaceans, with only the occassional fish.

Range:

Common round the South coast but less common in the North and North East of the UK