Stingray

Fact File:

Common Name(s):
Stingray

Scientific Name:
Dasyatis pastinaca

Usual Size:

UK Record Weights from rod/line:

Shore: 54lb 09oz 06drm

Boat: 72lb 02oz

MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification:
The outer edges of the disc are rounded and the front edges are rather straight leading to a small pointed snout. No dorsal fins and one or more spines about one third of the way along the tail. the total length of the tail never exceeds one and a half times the body length. Colour: greyish, olive or brown with white underside.

Breeding:
Gives birth to live young during the summer, although not in the UK.

Habitat:
Shallow sandy bottoms and is tolerant of estuarine conditions.

Food:
diet varied but almost exclusively bottom living organisms

Range:
Found all round the UK but more so the southern North sea around

the Thames estuary

Additional Notes:

Tail spine has an associated venom sac. Wounds caused by this will be very painful, may cause paralysis but not often fatal.

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