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Brown stingray (Hemitrygon akajei) — Dasyatidae

Brown stingray

Hemitrygon akajei
Family: Dasyatidae
NT · Near Threatened

The Brown stingray (Hemitrygon akajei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 200 cm.

Length
200 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
10.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The red stingray is a stingray of the family Dasyatidae from the north-western Pacific around East Asia. The species grows to about two metres (including the tail) and has a rhomboidal, flattened pectoral disc that is brownish with orange-red tints along the margins and around the eyes, and a long, whip-like tail. It inhabits coral reefs, estuaries and sand and mud bottoms of coastal waters. As a bottom hunter it digs in the bottom for molluscs, crustaceans, worms and small fishes. On the tail is a serrated, venomous spine; a sting causes severe pain, so never step on a resting ray and keep your distance. Owing to fishing the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown stingray?

The Brown stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Brown stingray live?

The Brown stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Brown stingray get?

The Brown stingray grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Brown stingray dangerous to humans?

The Brown stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Brown stingray edible?

Yes, the Brown stingray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rode pijlstaartrog sourced
English name
Brown stingray verified
Scientific name
Hemitrygon akajei
Family
Dasyatidae
Other names
Estuary stingaree; Estuary stingray; Japanese red stingray; Japanese stingray; Red skate verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
200.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hemitrygon

More from the family Dasyatidae

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