16/50.- Red Sea, scuba diving, bluespotted stingray
At the bottom of the sea, we find the spotted
reef stingray (taeniura lymma). These fishes are related to
the shark family, but rays are somewhat more evolved than sharks. They can be seen at the bottom of the reefs, where with their powerful
teeth they crush the shells of shellfish, clams, and mollusks.
Rays have a flat body with a cartilaginous skeleton. Instead of
swimming they seem to have the ability to fly under the water. Some
rays are more dangerous than others. All of them have at least one spine at the tail, and can inflict pain. Some of these spines have venom, in some species this venom can be
fatal. The electric ray sends electric current to stun their preys.
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