Madeiran ray
📖 Overview
Madeiran ray (Raja maderensis), first described by Lowe, 1838 is a large fish in the family Rajidae (order Rajiformes). Adults typically reach 85.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Deep-water waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Rajidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Upper surface wholly prickly, underside almost entirely prickly; orbital thorns separate, a regular row of 21-25 large thorns from nape to first dorsal fin; upper surface dark brown with a constant pattern of irregular light spots forming broad undulating transverse bands with narrower unspotted bands between, underside white, but grey on snout and broad dark margin to disc from behind midpoint of anterior margin, also blackish at tip of tail .: other; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Madeiran ray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous . Paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range ? - 500 m. Deep-water; 33°N - 31°N endemic to Madeira; possibly Azores.
🌿 Ecology
all kinds of benthic animals (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Madeiran ray is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Madeiran ray is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Madeiran ray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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