How to Identify Common Stingray

To identify Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically grey, brown, or olive-green, often with lighter or darker spots or mottling, providing camouflage against the seabed. Ventral surface is white or off-white.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Rhomboidal disc, slightly wider than long, with rounded corners., Long, whip-like tail, typically 1.5 to 2 times the disc length., One or more serrated, venomous spines located on the dorsal surface of the tail, usually about one-third of the way down from the base., Small eyes located dorsally, followed by spiracles., Mouth, nostrils, and five pairs of gill slits located on the ventral surface.

Dorsal fin

Absent, though a small dorsal fin fold may be present anterior to the spine in some individuals.

Tail fin

Long, slender, whip-like, with a venomous spine and often a low dorsal and ventral fin fold.

Pectoral fin

Large, forming the main 'wings' of the disc, continuous with the head.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located at the base of the tail.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Disc Shape

   Look for a rhomboidal (diamond-shaped) disc that is slightly wider than it is long, with rounded pectoral fin tips.

2. 2

   Tail

   Observe the long, whip-like tail, which is typically 1.5 to 2 times the length of the disc. Note the presence of one or more venomous spines on the dorsal surface of the tail.

3. 3

   Coloration

   The dorsal surface is usually uniform grey, brown, or olive, sometimes with faint spots or mottling, while the ventral surface is white.

4. 4

   Absence of Dorsal Fin

   Unlike some other ray species, Dasyatis pastinaca typically lacks a true dorsal fin, though a small fin fold may be present on the tail.

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