- Stingrays are part of sea rays. They are cartilaginous fish that are closely related to sharks.
- Stingrays are common in shallow coastal waters in temperate seas around the world. They are also present in oceans and rivers.
- There are more than 220 known species of stingrays in 10 families.
- There are several types of stingrays. Most common ones are: Deepwater stingrays, Round rays, Whiptail stingrays, Butterfly rays, Eagle rays and Sixgill stingrays. All these and other types of stingrays have unique features. (Source)
- Stingrays are known so due to presence of stinger or barb (spinal blade) in their tails. There are between one and three spinal blades in stingrays. As compared to other venomous animals that store venom in glands, stingrays store their venom within tissue cells at the underside of their spines. Freshwater stingrays have more toxic venom than venom in saltwater stingrays. Stingrays injure thousands of people every year but most of these are non-fatal. Around 80% of their victims are men. (Source)
- Stingrays are carnivorous animals. Stingrays usually live at ocean floor and camouflage by using ocean sand. Their diet also contains animals that live on or beneath ocean sand including: oysters, shrimp, worms, clams and snails. They capture prey through its electric signals that is captured by their complex sensory system. Stingrays’ jaws are extremely strong that can easily crush hard shells of their prey. (Source)
- Seals, sea lions, sharks and other large fish are natural predators of stingrays.
- Apart from mammals, the ocellate river stingray is the only known animal that chewsits food. It is also the only species of rays that consumes insects. (Source)
- Giant freshwater stingray is one of the biggest freshwater fish on earth. The heaviest stingray ever caught has more than 800 pounds of weight. (Source)
- Stingrays’ jaws effectively support their teeth to crush hard shells and materials. It is because the surface of these jaws is covered with small calcium minerals called tesserae. (Source)
- Stingrays are one of few animals that use spiracles, opening behind eyes, to breath. Stingrays occasionally use spiracles as their primary method of breathing. (Source)
- Most of the species swim like a wave. Others flap their sides like wings.
- Stingrays are usually not aggressive to humans and only use their stinger for defensive purpose. They usually sting when a person steps on the stingray. Stingray venom can cause: edema, severe pain, ulceration, delayed wound healing, local necrosis etc. Famous Australian wildlife expert, Steve Irwin, was one of few people killed by stingrays. (Source)
- Stingray is eaten in many countries. It is very popular food in Iceland, Malaysia and Singapore. (Source)
- Stingray skin is exotic leather that is used to make wallets, small bags, watch straps and wrapped bags. (Source)
- Stingrays are mostly solitary. But sometimes they swim in groups. A single group is called “school”.
- According to fossil records, stingrays appeared on earth around 150 million years ago.
- Venom from stingray’s spine was used as anesthetic by Ancient Greek dentists.
- Stingrays use camouflage to hide from predators and prey. Their body color is similar to the color of sand they live. These animals further camouflage by covering themselves with sand. (Source)
- Average lifespan for stingrays in the wild is from 15 to 25 years according to species.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT STINGRAYS
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