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Discover Natures Mysterious Treasures During Beach Walks Like This Cartilaginous Skull
These are common off the southern coast of South Africa but have you ever seen one?
Nature has a way of surprising us — like this eerie yet fascinating washed up treasure, found on a beach walk at Kanon Private Nature Reserve. From fish remains, coconuts, shells to sunrises that stop you in your tracks, every winter visit offers something wild and unexpected.
Found on the beach near Cape Vacca, this is indeed the cartilaginous skull (cranial plate) of a ray or skate, which are close relatives of stingrays. Judging by the triangular shape, flattened body structure, and openings (for eyes and spiracles), this is not the entire carcass, but rather a dried-out, decomposed head plate—possibly from a thornback ray, blue stingray, or similar local species.
Why it looks unusual:
The “face-like” appearance is caused by natural openings in the cartilage (eye sockets, mouth, and spiracles), which can look like facial features.
The pointed snout and wing-like extensions make it look almost alien, which is common for rays/skates due to their unique anatomy.
Rays and skates have cartilaginous skeletons, which don’t decompose the same way as bony fish. That’s why this plate remained intact. If you like long walks on unspoilt beaches and you’re curious to visit this special place, book your accommodation at Kanon Private Nature Reserve, located at Cape Vacca, along the nutrient-rich Benguela current, which supports many bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish like this.
Book Your Self Catering Accommodation Near Mossel Bay South Africa At Kanon
Visit our website to find out more about this special place and book yourself into our self catering accommodation for a few days, enjoy 30% of during our winter special until July 31st, 2025.
