What Divers Should Know About Thornback Ray

Venture into the diverse world of sedimentary seabeds, from mud flats to sandy stretches or gravelly bottoms, and you're likely to spot a Thornback ray. These fascinating creatures are typically found in depths between 10 and 60 meters, making them a common sight for many divers exploring coastal waters across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Reaching up to 1 meter in length, though most are under 85 cm, this ray is easily recognizable by its distinctive features.

Among the most common rays divers encounter, the Thornback offers a unique visual treat. Its kite-shaped body, with broad, wing-like pectoral fins, glides gracefully over the seabed. A closer look reveals its most striking feature: a back heavily adorned with numerous thorny spines, even on the underside of older females. Their colours, ranging from light brown to grey with darker blotches and yellow patches, provide excellent camouflage against the varied seabed, allowing divers a chance to observe this demersal species in its natural environment.