Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded whiptail stingray (Himantura uarnak) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The honeycomb whipray is a large stingray (Dasyatidae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species has a diamond-shaped body disc with a fine honeycomb pattern of dark spots and a very long, whip-shaped tail with a serrated venomous spine. It lives bottom-bound on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. It gives birth to live young and is endangered. The venomous spine can inflict deep, very painful wounds if stepped on.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded whiptail stingray?
The Banded whiptail stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Fine honeycomb pattern and a very long whip-like tail with a serrated venomous spine; ovoviviparous, endangered.
Where does the Banded whiptail stingray live?
The Banded whiptail stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Indian Ocean; sandy bottoms of coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Banded whiptail stingray get?
The Banded whiptail stingray grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Banded whiptail stingray dangerous to humans?
The Banded whiptail stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The tail bears a serrated venomous spine that can inflict deep, very painful puncture wounds. Shuffle through shallow water to avoid stepping on them. Immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 C) and seek medical care.
Is the Banded whiptail stingray edible?
Yes, the Banded whiptail stingray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Banded whiptail stingray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Himantura
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded whiptail stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded whiptail stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.