How to Identify Brown Stingaree

To identify Brown Stingaree (Trygonoptera mucosa), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically uniform brown, reddish-brown, or yellowish-brown, sometimes with faint darker spots or mottling. Ventral surface is white or pale, often with darker margins on the disc and tail.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Rounded, almost circular disc, slightly wider than long., Short, stout tail, less than half the disc length, with a prominent, serrated venomous spine., No dorsal fins., Small caudal fin present at the tip of the tail., Snout is short and broadly rounded., Eyes are relatively small and followed by larger spiracles.

Dorsal fin

Absent

Tail fin

Short, stout, with a small, leaf-like caudal fin at the tip. Bears a single, prominent venomous spine.

Pectoral fin

Fused with the head and body to form the disc.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and rounded, located beneath the posterior part of the disc.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Disc Shape

   Look for a distinctly rounded, almost circular disc that is slightly wider than it is long.

2. 2

   Tail Length

   Note the very short, stout tail, which is considerably less than half the length of the disc.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Observe the uniform brown to reddish-brown dorsal coloration, often without prominent markings, distinguishing it from more patterned stingarees.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fins

   The complete absence of dorsal fins on the tail is a key characteristic of the family Urolophidae.

5. 5

   Venomous Spine

   Presence of a single, prominent serrated spine on the dorsal surface of the tail, usually located about halfway along its length.

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