Bull ray

The bull ray ( Pteromylaeus bovinus ) is a species of ray in the family Myliobatidae, found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a large ray, growing to a disc width of up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). Its upper surface is typically olive-brown or greyish-brown, while its underside is white. It has a distinctive bull-like snout, hence its name.

Bull rays are bottom-dwelling creatures, inhabiting sandy and muddy substrates in coastal waters. They feed primarily on benthic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks. They use their pectoral fins to create currents that expose buried prey, which they then crush with their strong jaws.

The bull ray is ovoviviparous, meaning that the embryos develop inside the mother's body and are nourished by a yolk sac, rather than by a placenta. The gestation period is thought to be around 12 months, and females typically give birth to a litter of 4-7 pups.

The bull ray is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is declining due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and bycatch in fishing gear. It is also vulnerable to pollution and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on reducing fishing pressure and protecting important habitats.