Fin's Fish Guide
The Daisy stingray (Fontitrygon margarita) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The daisy stingray is a whip-tailed ray of the family Dasyatidae reaching a disc width of about 1 metre. The round to slightly rhomboid disc is wider than long, with a granular, rough upper skin and a long, whip-like tail bearing one or more venomous spines. The upper side is plain brown to grey-brown. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for crabs, shrimps, worms and small fish, which it crushes with flat jaw plates. Through intensive, unregulated coastal fishing it has declined sharply and is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Daisy stingray?
The Daisy stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Round to diamond-shaped stingray with granular dorsal skin and a long whip-like tail with a venomous spine; the disc is wider than long.
Where does the Daisy stingray live?
The Daisy stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Daisy stingray get?
The Daisy stingray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Daisy stingray dangerous to humans?
The Daisy stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The long, whip-like tail bears one or more venomous spines: a sting is very painful. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical help.
Is the Daisy stingray edible?
Yes, the Daisy stingray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Daisy stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Daisy stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fontitrygon
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Daisy stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Daisy stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.