Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic Stingray (Hypanus sabinus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Western Atlantic, in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons; also migrates far up rivers and can live in fresh water.
Description
The Atlantic stingray is a whiptail stingray (family Dasyatidae) of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 61 cm and has a rhomboid, flattened pectoral disc in shades of brown and a tail with a venomous spine. It inhabits coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons and ascends rivers remarkably far; it can even live in fresh water. Its diet consists of tube anemones, polychaete worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. The spine can cause painful, venomous sting wounds, especially when accidentally stepped on. The species is otherwise harmless and often lies buried in sand or mud.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic Stingray?
The Atlantic Stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Venomous spine on the tail; tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water and travels far up rivers.
Where does the Atlantic Stingray live?
The Atlantic Stingray lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons; also migrates far up rivers and can live in fresh water.
How big does the Atlantic Stingray get?
The Atlantic Stingray grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 27 cm.
Is the Atlantic Stingray dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic Stingray is harmless to humans. For a sting from the venomous tail spine: immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to ease pain, remove any spine fragments, clean the wound and seek medical care.
Is the Atlantic Stingray edible?
The Atlantic Stingray is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Hypanus
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic Stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic Stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.