Fin's Fish Guide
The Banana-tail ray (Pastinachus sephen) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 183 cm.
Description
The cowtail stingray is a large stingray from the Indo-West Pacific, also in estuaries and river mouths. The species grows to about 1.8 metres wide and has a rhomboid, dark disc body and a long tail with a conspicuous, broad skin flap (the 'cowtail') behind the venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried on sandy and muddy bottoms and eats crustaceans, molluscs and worms. In the tail it carries a serrated venomous spine that gives serious sting wounds. The IUCN status varies; often considered near threatened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banana-tail ray?
The Banana-tail ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Broad skin fold behind the serrated venomous spine in the long tail
Where does the Banana-tail ray live?
The Banana-tail ray lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Banana-tail ray get?
The Banana-tail ray grows to a maximum of about 183 cm. On average the species is around 65 cm.
Is the Banana-tail ray dangerous to humans?
The Banana-tail ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The serrated tail spine is venomous. If stung: let it bleed, clean it and immerse 30-90 minutes in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C); do not remove a spine lodged in chest or abdomen but call emergency services and always seek medical help.
Is the Banana-tail ray edible?
The Banana-tail ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Banana-tail ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banana-tail ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.