The Rays are a superorder of cartilaginous fish. They are characterised by their flattened bodies, wing-like pectoral fins and ventrally-located gills. Well-camouflaged, the Ray spends much of her time on the sea floor. This particular speciman is a Stingray, and can be recognised by the barbed stinger on his tail. This is used in self-defense to deliver a painful venom to the attacker. Death is rare, with Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, being one of the few fatalities. Her diet consists of small sea creatures such as fish, snails, crustaceans and clams. After mating, the sperm can be stored until conditions are right - two captive female Stingrays gave birth two years after they were last with a male - and the infants develop inside the mother's womb.
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