Small-eyed ray (Raja microocellata)

The small-eyed ray is true to its name with conspicuously small eyes. Also known as the painted ray, the small-eyed ray has distinctive long pale bands along the wings, usually parallel to the edges. It is a medium-sized ray which remains localised in shallow, sandy areas throughout its life.

The conservation status of the spotted ray is listed as least concern on the Irish Red List for cartilaginous fish and by the IUCN Red List. Ireland is at the northern extent of its range.

The Marine Sportfish Tagging Programme tagged 249 small-eyed rays between 1971 and 2013, with 76% tagged in the vicinity of Tralee Bay. None of the 14 recorded recaptures was more than 35km from its tagging location.