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Pink whipray (Pateobatis fai) — Dasyatidae

Pink whipray

Pateobatis fai
Family: Dasyatidae

The Pink whipray (Pateobatis fai) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 183 cm.

Length
183 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–200.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The pink whipray is a large stingray (Dasyatidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.8 metres wide and has a rhomboid, grey-pink body disc and a very long, whip-like tail with a serrated venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it lives around reefs and on sand flats, often in groups, and crushes molluscs, crustaceans and worms. It is not aggressive, but the tail spine can inflict a severely painful, venomous wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pink whipray?

The Pink whipray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Pink whipray live?

The Pink whipray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Pink whipray get?

The Pink whipray grows to a maximum of about 183 cm.

Is the Pink whipray dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Pink whipray edible?

Yes, the Pink whipray is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roze zweepstaartrog sourced
English name
Pink whipray sourced
Scientific name
Pateobatis fai
Family
Dasyatidae
Other names
Pink whipray verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
183.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pateobatis

More from the family Dasyatidae

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