British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Species Glossary - Ray - definition

Translation:

There are several varieties of Rays, for example manta ray and sting ray all of which are very closely related to sharks. Rays don't have bones and their skeletons are made of cartilage. Their bodies are flat and their pectoral fins are connected to their heads which act like wings and enable them to swoop through the water and also flip backwards. The Ray's eyes are on the top/dorsal side of their body. The mouth and gills are on the underside. Their backs are also flat, and they have a hole called 'spiracle' that enables them to breathe. The location of this breathing hole is especially important because it means the ray can remain protected when hiding in the sand or hunting. Hiding in the sand also protects the ray from larger fish and makes for ideal camouflage. The skin on the Rays' body is rough, like sandpaper and made up of sharp scales.