Rays move through water in a way that feels almost like flying. Their broad pectoral fins ripple and flap, carrying them smoothly over sand and reef.
Cousins of sharks
Rays are cartilaginous fish, which means their skeletons are made of flexible cartilage rather than bone, just like their shark relatives. Many species spend time near the seafloor, searching the sand for shellfish and small animals to eat.
Watching a ray glide past is one of the most memorable ways to feel connected to the ocean, and it is a reminder of why healthy lagoons and reefs deserve our care.
