Raja clavata, commonly known as the thornback ray, is a demersal species found in coastal waters of the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It has a distinctive kite-shaped body with thorn-like spines on its back and tail. It exhibits a mottled brown coloration, blending well with sandy or muddy sea floors.

Raja clavata, commonly known as the thornback ray, is native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Its geographical distribution extends from Iceland and Norway in the north to South Africa in the south, including the North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and occasionally the Black Sea.

The thornback ray typically inhabits coastal waters, favoring sandy, muddy, or gravelly seabeds. It is usually found at depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters, but can occasionally be found as deep as 300 meters. The species prefers temperate waters with a temperature range of about 7 to 16 degrees Celsius.

Raja clavata occupies a benthic ecological niche, where it plays a role as both predator and prey. It feeds on a variety of benthic organisms, including crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, using its flattened body to lie camouflaged on the seabed. Its thorny body provides some protection against predators.