Ryan Photographic - Dasyatidae - Whiptail stingrays
Family Dasyatidae
The family Dasyatidae contains around 69 species in 28 genera. Apart from one species they all possess one or more venomous barbs which they use for defense.
They feed on bottom living invertebrates which they suck up with their ventral mouth. These rays will often partially bury themselves in the sand and occasionally get stepped on by a fisherman or incautious swimmer which may lead to a painful evenomation. I am proud to report that I have yet to be stung by a stingray.
All the dasyatid stingrays give birth to live young. They are widely distributed in the world's ocean and some live in estuaries, rivers and lakes. One of these species, Urogymnus polylepis, is considered to be amongst the largest freshwater "fishes".
Dasyatis americana Southern stingray
Dasyatis americana Southern stingray at night Bahamas 2. This guy and I hung together for perhaps 15 min. He (or she) was totally imperturbed by my presence and it was such a joy to be "accepted"
Dasyatis americana Southern stingray at night Bahamas head on
Dasyatis americana Southern stingray at night Bahamas lateral
Dasyatis kuhlii Blue-spotted stingray
, Kadavu, Fiji med res.jpg)
Dasyatis kuhlii Blue-spotted stingray (Dasyatidae), Kadavu, Fiji
, Kadavu, Fiji IMG 3702 med res.jpg)
Dasyatis kuhlii Blue-spotted stingray swimming, Kadavu, Fiji IMG 3702
Dasyatis kuhlii, Blue-spotted stingray, Raja Ampat, West Papua Mike Agnew photo
Dasyatis lymma Blue-spotted ribbontail
Dasyatis lymma Blue-spotted ribbontail Red Sea P7232124 Egypt
Dasyatis lymma Blue-spotted ribbontail Red Sea P7232123
Dasyatis lymma Blue-spotted ribbontail Red Sea P7252343
Unidentified dasyatid
Stingray eye, Baja California, IMG_5108