Raie

Les raies sont un groupe de poissons cartilagineux apparentés aux requins, caractérisés par un corps aplati et de grandes nageoires pectorales soudées à la tête.

Rays are a group of cartilaginous fish related to sharks, characterized by a flattened body and large pectoral fins fused to the head. They include several orders and families, such as stingrays, electric rays, and guitarfish; more than 500 species are known worldwide. In Canadian waters, 16 or 17 ray species are found in the Atlantic occasionally or year-round.

Characteristics

Rays are cartilaginous fish with a dorsoventrally flattened body and greatly enlarged pectoral fins that resemble wings. Their gill slits, eyes, and spiracles are located on the dorsal side, while the mouth is on the ventral side. Some rays possess electric organs, and stingrays may have venomous spines on their tails.

Habitat and distribution

Most rays are marine and inhabit all oceans, typically living near the seafloor or in the water column close to the bottom. Some species also occur in brackish or fresh water. Rays are widely distributed globally, and in Canadian Atlantic waters, 16 or 17 species are recorded either occasionally or year-round.

Feeding and reproduction

Rays primarily feed on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms, as well as small fish and sometimes cephalopods. Reproduction involves internal fertilization, and many species lay encapsulated eggs on the seafloor. Rays generally have slow growth and low reproductive rates.

Importance and conservation

Rays are of fisheries importance in several regions, but many species are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity. Conservation concerns are heightened for populations that are exploited, including some found in Canadian waters.