What is a "ray"?

A ray is a fascinating and graceful creature that belongs to the family of cartilaginous fish, closely related to sharks. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, which are disc-shaped or diamond-shaped, and their unique wing-like pectoral fins that give them the appearance of flying through the water. Rays have a variety of sizes and can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. They are bottom-dwelling creatures, often camouflaging themselves in sandy or muddy areas to blend with their surroundings. Rays have a peaceful nature and are mostly gentle creatures, although some species possess venomous spines for self-defense.