Rays are cartilaginous fishes represented by several families in the order Rajiformes, which includes skates, guitarfishes, and sawfishes.
Most species are marine.
The electric rays, found in all temperate and tropical oceans, have electric organs on each side of the head capable of delivering up to 200 volts. The Atlantic torpedo one of the larger species, grows up to 110 lb and about 6 ft. Stingrays have saw-toothed spines located at the base of the tail. Associated with the spine or spines is a venom gland, and the apparatus can cause severe injury. The common North American genus is Dasyatis.