Domesticated Giant Ray

Giant rays are one of the more intelligent animals of the ocean. The Mer have used them for transportation and for carrying goods for hundreds of years. Through domestication, the rays have become larger than their wild cousins, and display many vibrant colors and patterns.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Domesticated giant rays are significantly larger than their wild parents, some having a wingspan of up to forty feet. Their wingspan is a bit more than twice the length of their body. They also have a short tail, though it is not supported by the skeleton, which is made up of cartilage rather than bone. Throughout many years of breeding, a large range of colors and patterns have appeared. Their backs are most often shades of blue, gray, or brown, but some are green, purple, or red. Their undersides are almost always a lighter shade of the back color, or white. Their undersides also have a few spots that are unique to each individual, though many have been bred to be entirely spotted, speckled, or patched. The most recent trend are albino rays, which are completely white, and are often a bit smaller.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mature rays are generally handpicked by breeders. Mature female rays carry young for fourteen months and give live birth to one or two pups. They can only reproduce every couple of years, and so population growth is very slow.

Growth Rate & Stages

After birth, rays will double in size in the first year. They are much like fish, and do not require any parenting. They reach maturity at about six years of age, and can continue reproducing until they are about thirty years old. Most rays live to about forty, though some have been known to live until sixty.

Ecology and Habitats

Giant rays prefer warm water, though some have been bred to withstand colder waters. Giant rays are often let loose to roam the area around which they are housed, and they can often be found at cleaning stations.

Dietary Needs and Habits

When left to their own devices, giant rays travel with their food source: zooplankton. In captivity, they are fed zooplankton which is either caught or raised. Their is no problem with their food source running out, as zooplankton reproduces very quickly.

Additional Information

Domestication

Traits are altered through careful breeding, in which the most desirable individuals are bred, and a record is kept of every ray.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Giant rays are used for the transportation of goods and Mer, since they can easily travel long distances.

Average Intelligence

Fairly intelligent. Giant rays can be taught many commands, and generally only listen to their owners, though they can slowly be trained to listen to others if sold.

Lifespan

40 years