Leucoraja melitensis

(Clark, 1926)

Maltese ray
Classification: Elasmobranchii Rajiformes Rajidae

Reference of the original description

Clark, R.S. (1926)
Rays and skates. A revision of the European species. Fishery Board for Scotland. Scientific Investigations, 1926(1), 1–66

Synonyms / new combinations and misspellings
Raia melitensis, Raja melitensis, Raja (Leucoraja) melitensis

Types
Leucoraja melitensis
Syntype: BMNH: 1926.12.20.2;

Description :

Citation: Leucoraja melitensis (Clark, 1926): In: Database of modern sharks, rays and chimaeras, www.shark-references.com, World Wide Web electronic publication, Version 10/2025

Please send your images of "Leucoraja melitensis" to info@shark-references.com

Leucoraja melitensis (Clark, 1926), © FAO, www.fish-base.org

Common names
spa

Raya de Malta, $fra $T$$ Raie de Malte, eng

Maltese brown ray, eng

Maltese ray, eng

Maltese skate, ita

Pichira janca, ita

Razza maltese

Distribution
Mediterranean Sea: endemic to the coasts of Tunisia, Malta and a single record from Italy; rare off Algeria. Source: www.gbif.org

Biology
Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk [733]. Breeds throughout the year, but ripe females observed mainly in spring and autumn [7182]. Distinct pairing with embrace. Young may tend to follow large objects, such as their mother [17086]. Feeds on crustaceans mainly amphipods.

Size / Weight / Age
50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; [7182])

Habitat
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 60 - 600 m [7182]

Remarks
shark-references Species-ID=3494;