Many types of ray can be found around the Irish Coast and one of the prettiest is without doubt the undulate ray. It has a distinctive pattern of dark wavy bands bordered by rows of white spots. Although their range includes much of the south and west coast they are most common around the Cork and Kerry region.

The undulate ray population has suffered due to overfishing as a result of its patchy distribution and their relatively long lifecycle as a result it is considered to be endangered. For several years Galway Atlantaquaria has displayed undulate rays and as such it was always hoped that they would breed. It was only last May that a male undulate was obtained however and staff watched anxiously throughout the summer as eggs were laid. Many of these eggs were infertile but several appeared healthy and one has now hatched out in the aquarium. The eggs are laid singly and are contained in a protective case with a leathery texture, which are known as mermaids purses.

The rays in the aquarium are fed on a diet of fish and crabs and seem to enjoy interacting with the public. The young undulate ray will be kept on her own initially and fed mainly on shrimp, hopefully she will soon be joined by some brothers and sisters.