Raja Linnaeus, 1758
External characters as for family. Rostral cartilage (and thus snout) generally stiff and stout almost to snout tip. Anterior pectoral finrays falling distinctly short of tip of snout.
See family for biology, etc.
Genus divided into 7 subgenera (see synonym field).
Species about 130; in Clofnam area 29.
Recent revisions: see family.
Note: seven subgenera are recognized (see Clofnam), not indicated here in key because mainly based on detailed anatomical characters. The key given here uses only those external features easily recognized by the nonspecialist (as also for Bathyraja and Breviraja); it is also unavoidable that occasional specimens cannot be determined with certainty and the literature cited in Clofnam should be consulted.
Species of this genus in the program:
Raja africana
Raja alba
Raja asterias
Raja bathyphila
Raja batis
Raja bigelowi
Raja brachyura
Raja circularis
Raja clavata
Raja fullonica
Raja fyllae
Raja hyperborea
Raja kreffti
Raja lintea
Raja maderensis
Raja melitensis
Raja microocellata
Raja miraletus
Raja montagui
Raja naevus
Raja nidarosiensis
Raja oxyrinchus
Raja polystigma
Raja radiata
Raja radula
Raja rondeleti
Raja spinacidermis
Raja undulata