scubaseason

Thornback Ray

Raja clavata

Sighting evidence at Cardigan Bay, Wales (Pembrokeshire)

Sandy channels and muddy patches throughout Cardigan Bay shelter thornback rays resting on the bottom, perfectly camouflaged against the substrate with only the outline of their disc-shaped bodies and eyes betraying their presence. They feed on crustaceans and molluscs buried in the sediment, flapping their broad pectoral fins to expose prey. Females use the bay's sheltered inshore areas as nursery grounds, and juveniles are frequently found in shallower water through summer.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Thornback Ray is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites