Batoidei

Batoidei is an order of cartilaginous fishes related to sharks, commonly known as rays. These fish are characterized by their flattened, disklike bodies, with gill openings and mouths typically located on the underside. Their greatly enlarged, winglike pectoral fins extend forward along the sides of the head.1

Rays are primarily marine and found in all oceans, with many being slow-moving bottom dwellers. Their diet varies, including plankton, small animals, fish, and invertebrates. Some rays, like electric rays, possess electric organs to stun prey or for defense. Other groups include sawfishes, skates, and stingrays, the latter often possessing venomous spines on their tails. Rays reproduce internally, with most bearing live young, though skates lay eggs.12