Fin's Fish Guide
The Kit (Hypanus americanus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and estuaries.
Description
The southern stingray is a large whiptail stingray of the family Dasyatidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has a rhomboidal pectoral disc that can reach about two metres across and a long, whip-like tail. It lives on sandy bottoms, in seagrass beds, lagoons and on the reef, and is common in bays and estuaries. By day it lies buried in the sand; at night it forages, mainly in seagrass beds, on bivalves, worms, crustaceans and small fishes. The tail bears a serrated, venomous spine with which the ray can inflict a painful injury. The species is listed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kit?
The Kit has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Diamond-shaped disc up to approx. 2 m wide and a venomous tail spine; buries itself in the sand during the day.
Where does the Kit live?
The Kit lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and estuaries.
How big does the Kit get?
The Kit grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.
Is the Kit dangerous to humans?
The Kit can cause injury; handle it with care. The tail bears a serrated, venomous spine that can give a deep, very painful sting; never approach a ray from behind. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care.
Is the Kit edible?
Yes, the Kit is commonly eaten.
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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 Kit?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kit is one of 12,519 species in the app.