How to Identify Brown stingray

To identify Brown stingray (Bathyraja brachyurops), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface uniformly brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with faint darker spots or blotches. Ventral surface is typically white or cream-colored, often with darker margins on the pectoral fins and tail.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Relatively short, stout tail, shorter than the disc length., Disc is rhomboidal, wider than long, with broadly rounded outer corners., Snout is short and blunt., Two small dorsal fins located close together on the posterior part of the tail., Absence of a caudal fin (tail fin)., Thorns present on the dorsal surface, typically along the midline of the disc and tail, and sometimes around the eyes and on the shoulders. The number and arrangement of thorns can vary with age and sex.

Dorsal fin

Two small, similar-sized dorsal fins located close together on the posterior third of the tail. No interdorsal thorn.

Tail fin

Short and stout, lacking a true caudal fin. Possesses lateral folds.

Pectoral fin

Large, wing-like, forming the main body disc.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are bilobed, with the anterior lobe distinctly separated from the posterior lobe.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Tail length

   The tail is notably shorter than the disc length, a key distinguishing feature from many other skate species.

2. 2

   Dorsal coloration

   Uniform brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with subtle darker markings, but generally lacking prominent patterns.

3. 3

   Thorn pattern

   Presence of thorns along the midline of the disc and tail, and often around the eyes and on the shoulders. The specific arrangement and density can aid in identification.

4. 4

   Snout shape

   Relatively short and blunt, not elongated or pointed.

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