How to Identify Smooth Stingray

To identify Smooth Stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark grey, brown, or olive, often with darker mottling or spots. Ventral surface is white or cream, sometimes with darker margins. Juveniles may have more pronounced spotting.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Very large, broad, and thick disc, often wider than long., Relatively short and thick tail, typically less than half the disc length., One or more large, serrated, venomous spines located on the dorsal surface of the tail, usually closer to the base., Absence of dorsal fins., Skin is generally smooth, lacking large dermal denticles, though small, scattered denticles may be present on the disc and tail of larger individuals., Snout is broadly rounded.

Dorsal fin

Absent

Tail fin

Short, thick, with a prominent venomous spine(s) and a low, fleshy keel or fold on the ventral side, but no true caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, forming the majority of the disc, continuous with the head.

Distinctive fins

No true fins on the tail, only a ventral cutaneous fold and the venomous spine(s).

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   One of the largest stingrays; disc width can exceed 2 meters (6.6 feet) and weight over 350 kg (770 lbs).

2. 2

   Tail Length

   Distinctively short and thick tail, usually less than half the disc length, which differentiates it from many other large stingrays with long, whip-like tails.

3. 3

   Spine Placement

   The venomous spine(s) are located relatively close to the base of the tail, not far along its length.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Very broad, thick, and rounded disc, often appearing more robust than other large rays.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Generally uniform dark grey to brown dorsally, white ventrally. Lacks prominent patterns or spots seen in some other species, though juveniles may have faint markings.

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