Black sea species - thornback, stingray, gurnard

Do you know there are such fish species?

Thornback ray (1)
Its local name is ‘vatus’. This is one of the two types of ray in the Black Sea. The
Thornback ray is a demersal fish, with a flattened body on which are scattered individual bony plates with sharp points. The mouth is located on the ventral side, where the gill openings are also located. The tail is slender and is elongated by two lateral rows of spines.

Common stingray (2)
This is the other type of ray, which live in our sea. It inhabits the bottom, half buried in the sand. It swims beautifully, with smooth movements of the fins, like a bird in flight. It has at least one jagged spike on its tail, in which there is a poison. When it pricks, it causes severe pain, palpitations, and muscle spasms.

Tub gurnard (3)
One of the most beautiful Black Sea fish, with a reddish body and white belly. Its pectoral fins are purple, with a black spot and bright blue edges. Very good swimmers, but can also fly some distance above the water, hence their name. Makes sounds similar to grunting or chattering that serve to bring schools of young fish together.