Fin's Fish Guide
The Bengal whipray (Brevitrygon imbricata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Description
The scaly whipray is a small stingray from the northern Indian Ocean, along the coasts of India, Pakistan and surrounding countries. The species grows to about 26 cm wide and has the rhomboid, flattened disc body characteristic of stingrays and a long, thin whip-like tail. As a bottom-dweller it lives in shallow coastal and estuarine water and searches the bottom for small crustaceans and worms. In the tail it carries a serrated venomous spine that can give a painful sting if stepped on. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bengal whipray?
The Bengal whipray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Diamond-shaped disc body with a long whip-like tail and a serrated venomous spine
Where does the Bengal whipray live?
The Bengal whipray lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern Indian Ocean
How big does the Bengal whipray get?
The Bengal whipray grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Bengal whipray dangerous to humans?
The Bengal whipray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The serrated tail spine is venomous. If stung: let the wound bleed, clean it and immerse for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) to break down the venom; do not remove a spine lodged in the chest or abdomen but call emergency services immediately and always seek medical help.
Is the Bengal whipray edible?
The Bengal whipray is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Brevitrygon
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Bengal whipray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bengal whipray is one of 12,519 species in the app.