Fin's Fish Guide
The Roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 300 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal waters and the continental shelf; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The roughtail stingray is one of the largest whip-tailed rays (family Dasyatidae), reaching a disc width of about 2 metres and a total length of around 3 metres. The angular, rhomboid disc is plain brown to brown-black; rows of rough denticles run over the back and the long, whip-like tail (hence the name), alongside one or more venomous spines. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of coastal water, the continental shelf and estuaries in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for crabs, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and fish. Through fishing and bycatch it has declined and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roughtail stingray?
The Roughtail stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very large stingray with an angular, diamond-shaped disc and a long whip-like tail with rows of rough thorns and a venomous spine.
Where does the Roughtail stingray live?
The Roughtail stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal waters and the continental shelf; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Roughtail stingray get?
The Roughtail stingray grows to a maximum of about 300 cm. On average the species is around 125 cm.
Is the Roughtail stingray dangerous to humans?
The Roughtail stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The long, whip-like tail bears one or more venomous spines: a sting is very painful. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical help.
Is the Roughtail stingray edible?
The Roughtail stingray is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Roughtail stingray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Roughtail stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roughtail stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.