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Leucoraja circularis, or Sandy Ray
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Leucoraja circularis, or Sandy Ray
Leucoraja naevus, known as Cuckoo Ray or Cuckoo Skate. Date: 1862
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Media ID 14227901
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1862 Cuckoo Fishes Flat Raia Raja Rajidae Skate Species Tail 1860s
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This image showcases the enigmatic Leucoraja naevus, or Cuckoo Ray, a fascinating marine species of the family Rajidae, also known as skates. The photograph, taken in the 1860s, captures the intricate details of this flatfish's unique features, with its circular disc-shaped body and distinctive, elongated tail. The Cuckoo Ray, also referred to as the Sandy Ray or Leucoraja circularis, is native to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. The Victorian era, during which this photograph was taken, was a time of great fascination with the natural world. Collecting and documenting new species was a popular pastime among the affluent, and natural history museums and societies flourished. This print, from the extensive archives of Mary Evans Prints Online, is a testament to the curiosity and wonder that drove people to explore and document the natural world around them. The Cuckoo Ray earned its common name due to its unusual reproductive behavior. Female Cuckoo Rays lay their eggs in the burrows of other skate species, allowing the developing embryos to consume the host's yolk sacs. This parasitic behavior is not uncommon among some species of rays and sharks, and it helps the Cuckoo Ray to avoid the risks and costs of producing and protecting its own offspring. Despite its intriguing biology, the Cuckoo Ray remains relatively unknown to many people today. This photograph, taken over a century and a half ago, offers a glimpse into the past and serves as a reminder of the rich natural history that surrounds us. The intricate patterns and colors of the Cuckoo Ray's body, visible in this stunning print, are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the marine world.
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