Fin's Fish Guide
The Diamond stingray (Hypanus dipterurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 167 cm.
North America: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador and others
Description
The diamond stingray is a stingray (Dasyatidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off North, Central and South America. The species grows to about 1 metre wide and has a diamond-shaped, grey-brown body disc and a long, whip-like tail with one or more serrated venomous spines. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and crushes molluscs, crustaceans and worms. It is not aggressive, but stepping on the tail gives a severely painful, venomous wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Diamond stingray?
The Diamond stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Diamond stingray live?
The Diamond stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador and others
How big does the Diamond stingray get?
The Diamond stingray grows to a maximum of about 167 cm.
Is the Diamond stingray dangerous to humans?
The Diamond stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not step on the tail or grab the fish by the tail. For a sting: immediately immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the protein venom; have any retained spine fragments removed. Pain is severe: always seek medical help and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypanus
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Diamond stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Diamond stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.