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Patchwork stingaree (Urolophus flavomosaicus) — Urolophidae

Patchwork stingaree

Urolophus flavomosaicus
Family: Urolophidae

The Patchwork stingaree (Urolophus flavomosaicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Urolophidae that grows up to 59 cm.

Length
59 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
60.0–300.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Patchwork stingaree is a stingaree (Urolophidae) from shallow sandy and seagrass water of the waters around Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a round to oval, flat disc and a fairly short tail with a small fin fold at the end. Half-buried it searches for worms, crustaceans and molluscs. In its tail it carries one or more venomous, serrated spines that give a very painful wound; it stings only in defence when touched or stepped on.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Patchwork stingaree?

The Patchwork stingaree has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Patchwork stingaree live?

The Patchwork stingaree lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Patchwork stingaree get?

The Patchwork stingaree grows to a maximum of about 59 cm.

Is the Patchwork stingaree dangerous to humans?

The Patchwork stingaree is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. A sting from the tail's venomous spine is very painful: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). Because of the risk of a deep wound and retained tissue, medical assessment is advised; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection.

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All data

Identification

English name
Patchwork stingaree sourced
Scientific name
Urolophus flavomosaicus
Family
Urolophidae
Other names
Patchwork stingaree; Stingaree verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
59.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
60.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
A sting from the tail's venomous spine is very painful: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). Because of the risk of a deep wound and retained tissue, medical assessment is advised; update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Urolophus

More from the family Urolophidae

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