Weird creature on Kent beach

Vegan · #1 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 08:42 AM

Would anyone know what this is please? Back end (tail and legs) looks like a crocodile but when turned over had a face like a ray?

The Woodman · #2 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 08:46 AM

I think it's the remains of a Thornback Ray after the commercial fisherman has de-winged it. That is - neatly cut the meaty flat side bits off for the market. You see its mouth with prominent lips which is on the underside of the fish as they are bottom feeders, a benthic species.

Lemars · #3 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 08:48 AM

I'm not even a novice, but I'm going to guess it's a dogfish (must be something my parents once told me).

I'll look forward to seeing what an expert thinks though.

Vegan · #4 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 08:58 AM

Do thornback rays have back legs like crocodiles?

The Woodman · #5 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 09:04 AM

They're not legs but skin flaps, have a look at this image of the ventral side of a ray. Google Image Result for http://www.severnichthys.co.uk/KINGSTON041005.JPG

From memory, I think they're sexually dimorphic and the longer "danglers" (legs) indicate a male fish. They are referred to as "claspers" by anglers. The distinctive ID feature on these remains are the thorns on the dorsal side of the tail.

wizzo · #6 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 10:43 AM

Yes, I'd say definately, a thornback. Mind you, the face looks like the alien in 'Close Encounters'

Burko · #7 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 11:26 AM

It's a good size for a male Thornback.

Tobyh · #8 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 12:53 PM

100% remains of a Thornback Ray.

tom00_uk · #9 (**permalink**) 23-02-2011, 08:29 PM

Raja clavata that's been discarded after the commercial "wings" have been harvested.

If it were a male it would have clasper's. these can easily be used to judge the maturity of the individual with out causing any harm by seeing how firm they are and if the spike has developed at the end.

Females unfortunately are harder to judge and you have to open them up to be certain.

It is a species that is not recommended for consumption, as Raja (skates, rays)have a long and slow reproductive rate.

Male

female

(not UK species but the physical biology is the same)

Vegan · #10 (**permalink**) 24-02-2011, 07:41 AM

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I've been fascinated to see what this creature should really look like and found videos on youtube as well which I couldn't have done without your help.