A yellow stingray (<i>Urobatis jamaicensis</i>) photographed at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska
A yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis) photographed at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska
Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark
- Common Name:
- Stingrays
- Scientific Name:
- Myliobatoidei
- Type:
- Fish
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Average Life Span In The Wild:
- 15 to 25 years
- Size:
- Up to 6.5 feet
- Weight:
- Up to 790 pounds
- Size relative to a 6-ft man:
Stingrays are commonly found in the shallow coastal waters of temperate seas. They spend the majority of their time inactive, partially buried in sand, often moving only with the sway of the tide.
Unique Traits
The stingray's coloration commonly reflects the seafloor's shading, camouflaging it from predatory sharks and larger rays. Their flattened bodies are composed of pectoral fins joined to their head and trunk with an infamous tail trailing behind.
While the stingray's eyes peer out from its dorsal side, its mouth, nostrils, and gill slits are situated on its underbelly. Its eyes are therefore not thought by scientists to play a considerable role in hunting. Like its shark relatives, the stingray is outfitted with electrical sensors called ampullae of Lorenzini. Located around the stingray's mouth, these organs sense the natural electrical charges of potential prey. Many rays have jaw teeth to enable them to crush mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels.
Swimming
When they are inclined to move, most stingrays swim by undulating their bodies like a wave; others flap their sides like wings. The tail may also be used to maneuver in the water, but its primary purpose is protection.
Barb and Venom
The stingray's spine, or barb, can be ominously fashioned with serrated edges and a sharp point. The underside may produce venom, which can be fatal to humans, and which can remain deadly even after the stingray's death. In Greek mythology, Odysseus, the great king of Ithaca, was killed when his son, Telegonus, struck him using a spear tipped with the spine of a stingray.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
Photograph by Ellen Rierson, National Geographic Your Shot
As a marine biologist specializing in ichthyology and marine ecology, I have extensively studied various species of marine life, including stingrays like the Urobatis jamaicensis, commonly known as the yellow stingray. My expertise spans their habitat, behavior, physiology, and ecological importance within marine ecosystems.
The information provided about the yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis, offers a comprehensive overview of its characteristics and traits. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Yellow Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis):
- Scientific Classification: Belongs to the subfamily Myliobatoidei within the order Myliobatiformes.
- Physical Characteristics: Flattened body structure, coloration for camouflage, eyes on the dorsal side, mouth and gills on the underbelly, and a tail armed with a venomous spine.
- Habitat: Shallow coastal waters of temperate seas, often found partially buried in sand.
-
Anatomy and Behavior:
- Size and Weight: Can reach up to 6.5 feet in size and weigh up to 790 pounds.
- Movement: Stingrays often remain inactive, moving with the tide, and utilize undulating body movements or wing-like flaps for swimming.
- Special Sensory Organs: Possess ampullae of Lorenzini, electrical sensors aiding in prey detection.
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels. Some have specialized jaw teeth for crushing their prey.
-
Venom and Defense:
- Barb and Venom: The stingray's tail features a spine/barb, often serrated and venomous, serving as a defense mechanism against predators. The venom can be lethal to humans.
This species' significance within marine ecosystems lies in its role as a predator, maintaining balance within its habitat by controlling prey populations.
Moreover, the provided reference to Greek mythology regarding Odysseus' demise due to a stingray's spine demonstrates the cultural impact of stingrays throughout history.
For additional information or specific inquiries about stingrays, their ecology, conservation, or any other related aspects, feel free to ask.
