common stingray

Scientific name Dasyatis pastinaca
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category VU
Family Dasyatidae
Genus Dasyatis
Dasyatis pastinaca Dasyatis pastinaca

Introduction

Dasyatis pastinaca, commonly known as common stingray, is a salt water fish.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    60 cm
  • Maximum size
    250 cm
  • Shape
    Circular
  • Average size
    60 cm
  • Maximum size
    250 cm
  • Shape
    Circular

How to recognize the common stingray ?

The common stingray measures between 60 and 250 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The common stingray is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous .

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare

The common stingray is a fish ovovivipare.

Life-threatening species

  • Venomous
    Yes

This species is venomous and can cause serious injuries when touched. In the most serious cases, it can cause death.

What to do in the event of a sting?

in case of sting, the following rules should be followed, in this order:

  • Isolate the victim from the danger and quickly remove him or her from the water
  • Call for help
  • Lay the victim down in a half-sitting position and avoid any effort
  • Immobilize the affected limb
  • Clean the wound
  • The venom of this species being thermolabile, it can be neutralized if it is submitted to a temperature of about 45 °C. It is therefore possible to heat the wound. This popular technique should be practiced with great care so as not to aggravate the wound by burning it. It is advisable to immerse the affected limb in hot water.
  • If the puncture is too deep, heating the wound will be less effective.

Sometimes the sting can cause discomfort or even loss of consciousness in the victim. The stings are usually very painful.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    10 - 25 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 200 m

Biotope presentation

The common stingray is most often found at a depth between 1m and 200m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Species of the same family

Species of the same biotope

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