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Colares stingray (Fontitrygon colarensis) — Dasyatidae

Colares stingray

Fontitrygon colarensis
Family: Dasyatidae

The Colares stingray (Fontitrygon colarensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 207 cm.

Length
207 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
6.0–? m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Colares stingray is a stingray (Dasyatidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic off Brazil. The species reaches about 60 cm across the disc and has a round to diamond-shaped, flat, brown disc and a long, whip-like tail. Half-buried in sand or mud it searches for molluscs, crustaceans and bottom fish. In its tail it carries a venomous, serrated spine that gives a very painful wound; it stings only in defence when touched or stepped on.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Colares stingray?

The Colares stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Colares stingray live?

The Colares stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Colares stingray get?

The Colares stingray grows to a maximum of about 207 cm.

Is the Colares stingray dangerous to humans?

The Colares stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. A sting from the tail's venomous spine is very painful: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). Because of the risk of a deep wound and retained tissue, medical assessment is advised; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection.

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All data

Identification

English name
Colares stingray sourced
Scientific name
Fontitrygon colarensis
Family
Dasyatidae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
207.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
A sting from the tail's venomous spine is very painful: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). Because of the risk of a deep wound and retained tissue, medical assessment is advised; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Fontitrygon

More from the family Dasyatidae

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