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Habitat
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Most rays are bottom dwellers and are found in all the world's oceans. A few species are pelagic, living in the open ocean. The giant devil ray is an example of a pelagic species. Some rays spend part or all of their lives in freshwater rivers or brackish estuaries.
Types and Risks
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The rays that are potentially dangerous to humans are the stingrays, the electric rays and all large rays. The largest ray of all, the manta ray, can grow to 30 feet in width.
Stingrays have poisonous spines and electric rays have the capacity to give you a nasty shock. Rays might not attack unprovoked, but they can defend themselves. Deliberately chasing, trying to handle or touch a ray is moderately dangerous. Accidentally stepping on a ray frightens the animal and could lead to a sting. Rays feed on smaller fish, plankton and invertebrates. Mammals, including humans, are not a food source for rays and these fish aren't aggressive.
Precautions
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Stingrays and electric rays sometimes conceal themselves just under the sand. When paddling before and after a swim in an area you know has thriving population of such rays, shuffle your feet through the sand to alert rays to your presence and give them a chance to swim away. As with any large fish, it is not sensible to chase rays, get too close or try and grab them. You probably wouldn't pull a shark's tail or try to hitch a ride, don't do this to rays either. Treat them with respect and they should leave you alone.
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Is There Any Danger Swimming With Rays?
Rays are generally peaceful, cartilaginous fish, quite closely related to sharks. Normally, rays are not dangerous to people, but exercise caution when swimming near them. Rays are large and powerful and some species can shock with electricity or sting with venomous spines. Rays are, however, highly unlike to attack unless provoked or frightened.