Morphological abnormality in thornback ray Raja clavata in the Irish Sea

Abstract A free-swimming thornback ray Raja clavata specimen demonstrating significant morphological abnormality is reported, captured by beam trawl in the Irish Sea off north Wales, UK. The anterior sections of both pectoral fins were separated from head section for a length approximately 140 mm extending rostrum tip to point posterior spiracles, along with abnormal morphology gill slits. This phenomenon has been observed elsewhere but first documented example this eastern Sea, despite widespread targeting species across region commercial and recreational fishers. Possible causes consequences are discussed.