rayas

Rayas is a Spanish term with multiple related meanings. In everyday language it is the plural of raya, meaning a stripe or line. In biology, rayas is the common Spanish name for stingrays, a group of cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.

As stripes, rayas describe patterns of parallel lines of contrasting color used in textiles, clothing, wallpapers, and artwork. Rayas can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and they appear in many cultural and fashion traditions, from nautical uniforms to summer dresses. The word is also used in design to describe striped surfaces such as fabrics or architectural elements.

Stingrays are flattened, broad-bodied batoids with enlarged pectoral fins fused to the head and a long tail. They inhabit coastal and tropical seas worldwide, often living on the bottom in sandy or muddy substrates. Most rayas feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, using their jaws to crush prey. Many species have a venomous barb on the tail, which they use for defense. Reproduction varies by species, with some giving birth to live young and others exhibiting ovoviviparity or other forms of internal development.

Conservation status among rayas varies by species. They face threats from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation. Some species are listed as vulnerable or endangered, while others remain of least concern. In cultural contexts, rayas are commonly referenced as a design motif, whereas in biological contexts they denote a diverse group of marine fishes.