Is this a Thornback?

[baitdigger]

I was joined by a couple of lads from Dover SAA for a session on the Shannon yesterday and one of the lads caught this. I think its a thornie but it was very smooth and had two distinct markings. could it be a hybrid?

[Donagh]

Yes. Just not very thorny.

[lucky]

ye mate.. a thornie alright.....

[slowarm]

Might it be a Cuckoo Ray? See species guide on Home Page http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/rays ... cuckoo.htm

Cuckoo has those spots and some thorns.

[baitdigger]

The skin was the texture of a stingray and not abrasive at all like a regular thornie. Anybody seen a smooth thornie before?

[Donagh]

The skin was the texture of a stingray and not abrasive at all like a regular thornie. Anybody seen a smooth thornie before?

Seen some quite smooth. Very like a cuckoo ray but for the colouring and the thorns on a cuckoo are either side of the tail not the middle. I have seen spots on the wings like that on a thorny before

[mann]

Hi Baitdigger,

When I rotate it as below I see a lions head with its mouth open, then I rotated in again to see an Elephants head

So really I cant help you decide what it is but I reckon any fish cruising over this Ray looking for something to eat would do a runner when it seen what’s below it ,

Fantastic defence markings,

Lion or Elephant.jpg

[ShaneH]

100% thornie

[zud25]

i think its a Cucko Ray,i got one time the same...