Welcome to the Rays portion of the tour and I'm not talking about the Tampa Rays or the Sunshine Rays. We're focusing in on the swimming in the ocean variety of Rays that range in all kinds of sizes, colors and features. Rays are found all over the world though their quantities have been been slowly reducing.
This species can be found year round in the Eastern Pacific off the coast of California down through Mexico. These can range in size up to three feet. You can identify this species by the three rows of sharp thorns that run along its tail. The tail extends past more then half the body's full length.
This Ray can be found off the Pacific coast of Japan. This species has an oval shaped body with one dorsal fin and can reach a length up to 17". They are also known for their ability to disperse a slight electric shock though the species is still considered to be harmless. It uses this ability as a defense mechanism and/or possibly to help aid it in its hunt for crustaceans and small fish.
Coming back to Florida we have this species of Rays. These can be found year round. Reaching lengths of up to six FEET and weighing in at approximately 200 pounds, this is definitely one of the bigger species of the Rays Family. Like the Spotted Electric Ray, this one can also discharge an electric shock at up to 220 volts. This can be dangerous to a diver so please don't provoke the Ray!
This species of Ray found in New Zealand is very unique in its appearance. Starting off it has an approximate length of about three to four feet. The snout is elongated and is very distinguished compared to other species. Its tail has three rows of small thorns and the body shows a pattern of light and dark spots which helps them blend in with the ocean floor. Unfortunately this species is a little harder to find by divers.
And back over to the US once again for a species commonly found along the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina all the way down through the Gulf of Mexico. These reach a length of about 1-2 feet. They have a tan oval upper body with small darker blotch patterns and a white underside. This species also delivers small electrical shocks as well. During Summer periods this species can deliver up to approximately 15-18 pups.