The Marbled stingray (Dasyatis marmorata) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The marbled stingray is a whip-tailed ray of the family Dasyatidae reaching a disc width of about 75 cm. The diamond-shaped disc is slightly wider than long and has a finely marbled, brown-grey upper side, good camouflage on sand bottoms. The long, whip-like tail bears one or more venomous spines. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and the continental shelf in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for crabs, shrimps, worms and small fish, which it crushes with flat jaw plates. Through fishing and bycatch it has declined and is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled stingray?
The Marbled stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Marbled stingray live?
The Marbled stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Marbled stingray get?
The Marbled stingray grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Marbled stingray dangerous to humans?
The Marbled stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.
Is the Marbled stingray edible?
The Marbled stingray is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dasyatis
More from the family Dasyatidae
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