Fin's Fish Guide
The Longtail stingray (Hypanus longus) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 260 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador, Guatemala and others
Description
The longtail stingray is a stingray (Dasyatidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 1.5 metres wide and has a flattened, diamond-shaped, brown body with a very long, thin whip tail bearing one or more venomous spines. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and searches for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The tail spine can give an extremely painful sting wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longtail stingray?
The Longtail stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Longtail stingray live?
The Longtail stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador, Guatemala and others
How big does the Longtail stingray get?
The Longtail stingray grows to a maximum of about 260 cm.
Is the Longtail stingray dangerous to humans?
The Longtail stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the tail spine: rinse the wound with seawater, apply pressure to limit bleeding and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). The wound is often deep and may contain spine fragments; seek medical care, have the wound cleaned and check tetanus status.
Is the Longtail stingray edible?
Yes, the Longtail stingray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Longtail stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longtail 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 Hypanus
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Longtail stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longtail stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.