Raja maderensis (lat.) - a type of cartilaginous fish of the family of rhombic rays of the sloping order squad. They live in the waters of the central-eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean between 33 Β° and 31 Β° C. sh. They are found at a depth of up to 500 m. Their large, flattened pectoral fins form a diamond-shaped disk with a slightly protruding snout. The maximum recorded length is 85 cm. Lay eggs. Not subject to target fishing [1] [2] [3] .
| Raja maderensis |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetric |
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| International Scientific Name |
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Raja maderensis Lowe , 1838 |
| Security status |
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Vulnerable speciesIUCN 3.1 Vulnerable : 161459 |
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The species was first scientifically described in 1838 [4] . Taxonomy and family ties with other rhombic rays that inhabit the waters of the Azores need further research.
These battidemersal slopes are endemics of the waters washing the island of Madeira . Occur in the upper part of the continental slope at a depth of 150 to 500 m [1] [3] .
The wide and flat pectoral fins of these rays form a diamond-shaped disk with a slightly protruding snout tip and rounded edges. On the ventral side of the disc are 5 gill slits, nostrils and mouth. On the long tail there are lateral folds [2] . The dorsal surface of the disk is completely covered with coarse spines, orbital spines are distinguished. There is a middle row of 21β25 spines, running from the nape to the first dorsal fin. Between the dorsal fins there are 2β3 spines and several spines along the lower edge of the tail. Coloring of dorsal surface of dark brown color with uneven light spots forming wavy transverse stripes with narrower stripes in the gap, having a smooth color. The ventral surface is white, with the exception of the gray snout and the broad dark border of the pectoral fins up to the tip of the snout. The tip of the tail is black [5] . The maximum recorded length is 80 cm [3] .
