Maltese ray (Leucoraja melitensis) fish species and information / pictures of Maltese ray - Leucoraja melitensis

Maltese ray (Leucoraja melitensis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Leucoraja melitensis

Common Name
Maltese ray

Biology
Feed on crustaceans mainly amphipods (Ref. 3167). Oviparous. Distinct pairing with embrace. Young may tend to follow large objects, such as their mother (Ref. 205). Eggs are oblong capsules with stiff pointed horns at the corners deposited in sandy or muddy flats (Ref. 205). About 10-56 eggs are laid per individual annually (Ref. 41305, 41314).

Classification

Classified By

Clark, 1926

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Skates and Rays (Rajiformes)

Family

Skates (Rajidae)

Distribution

Region

Mediterranean Sea

Distribution

Mediterranean Sea: endemic to the coasts of Tunisia, Malta and a single record from Italy; rare off Algeria.

Range

42°N - 36°N, 2°W - 16°E

Environment

Climate

Deep-water

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

60 m

Depth To - meters

600 m

Zone

bathydemersal

Environment

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 60 - 600 m (Ref. 3167)

Trophic Level

3.285 s.e. 0.53 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

50.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (44 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=10)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Critically Endangered (CR) (A2bcd+3bcd+4bcd)