Bull ray
The bull ray is named due to the shape of its head, reminiscent of a bull.
Where to find them?
You can learn more about the bull ray in the Oceans aquarium, under the shark tunnel.
General aspects
They can reach a maximum of 250cm long from head to tail, and 150cm across their fins.
Their backs are brown, occasionally with several greyish blue horizontal strips, and a white belly.
Where do they live?
They are distributed through the Eastern Atlantic, from the coast of Portugal to the Coast of Angola. We can also find them throughout the coasts of the Canary Islands and the coast of the island of Madeira. Occasionally, they may penetrate the Mediterranean.
Their habitat is in warm, tropical waters and near coasts. Occasionally, they also enter the open sea, but this is not very common. They are bento-pelagic animals (living close to both the seabed and the water column).
Do they move in groups?
We can find them in small groups, but it is more common to see them swimming alone.
What do they feed on?
Their mouths have 7 rows of flat teeth, used to feed mainly on crustaceans and molluscs that live on the seabed.
How do they reproduce?
Like sand tiger sharks, they are ovoviviparous, having a gestation time of approximately 6 months and giving birth to 3 to 7 pups, 45cm in size.
Did you know...?
Although this species is not aggressive towards humans, the venomous spine at the root of its tail can cause very painful wounds.