How to Identify Cowtail Stingray

To identify Cowtail Stingray (Pastinachus sephen), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically uniform grey, brown, or olive-green, sometimes with darker spots or mottling. Ventral surface is white or pale, often with darker margins. The tail is distinctly black or dark brown, especially the prominent fin-fold.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Large, rounded disc, slightly wider than long., Long, whip-like tail with a prominent, broad, black fin-fold on the dorsal and ventral surfaces, extending well past the venomous spine., One or more serrated venomous spines located on the dorsal surface of the tail., Small eyes followed by larger spiracles., Mouth is relatively small and located ventrally.

Dorsal fin

Absent (as with most Dasyatidae)

Tail fin

Long, whip-like, with a prominent, broad, black fin-fold both dorsally and ventrally, extending well past the venomous spine.

Pectoral fin

Broad, forming the main disc of the ray.

Distinctive fins

The caudal fin is modified into a prominent, dark fin-fold on the tail, a key distinguishing feature.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Tail Fin-fold

   The most distinctive feature is the prominent, broad, black fin-fold on the tail, which is much more developed than in most other stingray species.

2. 2

   Disc Shape

   The disc is typically rounded to slightly oval, and relatively thick.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Uniform grey, brown, or olive dorsal coloration, contrasting with the dark tail fin-fold.

4. 4

   Size

   Can grow to a very large size, with disc widths exceeding 1 meter.

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