Cuckoo Ray - Leucoraja naevus

Notable for the two large eyespots on their backs (Shark Trust, 2020), cuckoo rays (fig. 1) are common in Scottish waters (Scottish Government, 2011). While often referred to as a ray, this species is infact a skate, as they lay egg cases. Around the UK, their egg cases are commonly identified along the West coast, with only a few confirmed egg case sightings in the Northeast of Scotland (Shark Trust, n.d.) They inhabit the continental shelf to upper slope, feeding on seabed creatures like crustaceans and worms (Shark Trust, 2020). 

Cuckoo Rays are classified as ‘Least Concern’, suggesting a healthy population throughout their European/Mediterranean range (fig. 2) (IUCN, 2015). They are not subject to targeted fishery, as being a smaller species they are less valued (Shark Trust, 2020).