Fin's Fish Guide
The Pearl stingray (Fontitrygon margaritella) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The pearl stingray is a small stingray from coastal and estuarine water of West Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm across and has a flat, round body disc with a central, pearl-like bump on the back and a long tail with a venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried in sand or mud and searches for small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The venomous spine can inflict a painful, venomous puncture wound. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pearl stingray?
The Pearl stingray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Pearly dorsal hump and a venomous spine on the tail; burrowing bottom ray
Where does the Pearl stingray live?
The Pearl stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa
How big does the Pearl stingray get?
The Pearl stingray grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Pearl stingray dangerous to humans?
The Pearl stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the tail spine: immerse the wound immediately in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help.
Is the Pearl stingray edible?
The Pearl stingray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fontitrygon
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Pearl stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pearl stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.