| Family: |
Dasyatidae (Stingrays), subfamily: Dasyatinae |
| Max. size: |
330 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 150 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 500 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref. 68964), Red Sea and East Africa to southern Japan, Micronesia, tropical Australia and Lord Howe Island. Eastern Pacific: known only from oceanic islands (Cocos and the Galapagos) but because of sheer number, individuals may colonize the Central America mainland (Ref. 28023). More widely known as Taeniura melanospila Bleeker 1853, a junior synonym based on the description of a juvenile specimen. |
| Diagnosis: |
A large stingray with a circular disc, no thorns, a black and white mottled upper surface, and a deep and prominent ventral skin fold that extends to the tail tip (Ref. 6871). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in a wide range of habitats, from shallow lagoons to outer reef slopes (Ref. 1602). Feeds on bottom fish, bivalves, crabs and shrimp (Ref. 5578). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Smallest free-swimming specimen recorded was 33 cm WD. Caught commonly by demersal tangle net fisheries, and occasionally by longline and bottom trawl fisheries. Utilized for its meat and cartilage (Ref.58048). Found singly or in aggregates and usually with jacks and cobia swimming near them (Ref. 12951). Not normally aggressive, but it has been responsible for at least one human fatality. Sought by surf and ski boat anglers in southern Africa, but usually released unharmed (Ref. 5578). Longevity record for a specimen in an aquarium is 81 days (Ref. 12951). May reach disc width in excess of 3 m (Ref. 28023). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 14 May 2015 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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