Rays Throughout History: From Veneration to the Threat of Extinction

Rays are a type of cartilaginous fish belonging to the elasmobranch family, just like sharks. They first appeared about 150 million years ago, during the Jurassic period. At that time, rays were small fish that swam near the bottom of the water, feeding mainly on mollusks and crustaceans. Over time, they evolved to become larger and faster predators, developing more powerful fins that allowed them to swim faster and hunt larger fish. Rays have been used for various purposes throughout history, including being revered and considered sacred in some cultures, consumed for their flesh, and used to make leather. Today, rays are still studied by scientists and nature lovers and are particularly popular with divers who enjoy observing their graceful swimming in their natural environment. However, rays are also threatened by human activity, particularly overfishing and ocean pollution. Many species of rays are now critically endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these fascinating fish.