Fin's Fish Guide
The Cortez round stingray (Urobatis maculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Urotrygonidae that grows up to 42 cm.
Description
The Cortez round stingray is a small round stingray (family Urotrygonidae) of the eastern Pacific, mainly around the Gulf of California. The species has an almost circular, disc-shaped body and grows to about 42 cm including the tail. It lives on shallow sand and mud bottoms, in seagrass beds, near rocky reefs and in bays. By day it searches the bottom for worms and amphipods. In its tail it bears a venomous spine that can inflict a painful wound if disturbed; however, it is not aggressive. Otherwise the species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cortez round stingray?
The Cortez round stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Round body disc with a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Cortez round stingray live?
The Cortez round stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, mainly around the Gulf of California.
How big does the Cortez round stingray get?
The Cortez round stingray grows to a maximum of about 42 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Cortez round stingray dangerous to humans?
The Cortez round stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the tail spine, immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C) to break down the venom, check for remaining spine fragments and seek medical help.
Is the Cortez round stingray edible?
The Cortez round stingray is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Urobatis
More from the family Urotrygonidae
Want the complete picture on the Cortez round stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cortez round stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.