Cuckoo Ray (Leucoraja naevus)

Notable for the two large eyespots on their backs, cuckoo rays (Fig. 2) are common in Scottish waters (Scottish Government, 2011; Shark Trust, 2020). While often referred to as a ray, this species is in fact 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. 1) (IUCN, 2015). They are not subject to targeted fishery, as being a smaller species they are less valued (Shark Trust, 2020).