Spotted ray, Mailed ray
The cuckoo ray is a small, diamond-shaped flatfish characterised by distinctive dark spots and ‘eye-like’ markings on its wings, which give it its name. Its upper side ranges from sandy brown to grey, while the underside is pale. Unlike some other rays, it has rougher skin and spiny ridges along the tail. The flesh is firm and mild in flavour, often served as skate wings.
Cuckoo rays are found along the seabed in sandy or muddy areas, typically between 10–200m deep. They are widely distributed across the northeast Atlantic, including the Celtic Sea and English Channel. In Cornwall, they are commonly caught by trawlers operating out of Newlyn and other south coast ports.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Cuckoo rays are relatively abundant in Cornish waters, but as a slower-growing species, they are vulnerable to overfishing.
Best Choice: Rays caught using demersal trawling by Cornish vessels with selective gear and proper management.
Avoid: Catches from areas without effective monitoring or from vessels using non-selective fishing methods.
Culinary Uses
Typically sold as skate wings – meaty, boneless cuts ideal for pan-frying or poaching. The flavour is mild and slightly sweet, with a texture similar to scallops when cooked properly. Often served with brown butter, capers, or citrus-based sauces. Popular in traditional British fish dishes and gaining renewed interest among modern chefs.
Best Fishing Practices
Caught by demersal trawlers with increasing use of selective gear to minimise bycatch. Efforts are being made to improve data collection and protect breeding stocks. Fishers are encouraged to land rays by species to improve transparency and traceability.
Seasonality
Available year-round, though landings are typically higher in spring and summer.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
Choosing cuckoo ray from well-managed Cornish fisheries supports efforts to improve species-specific data and reduce pressure on more vulnerable ray species. With its delicate flavour and low bone content, it’s a sustainable and underused option for diners seeking something different.
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