Fin's Fish Guide
The Round stingray (Urolophus halleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Urolophidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from northern California to Ecuador, on sand, rubble and mud bottoms of beaches, bays and creeks to about 90 m depth.
Description
The round stingray is a small ray (family Urotrygonidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 58 cm and has a round, flattened pectoral disc in shades of brown with a mottled pattern. It inhabits sand, rubble and mud bottoms of beaches, bays and sloughs, often near seagrass, to about 90 m depth. Its diet consists of bottom invertebrates and small fishes. On the tail it bears a venomous spine with which it defends itself; this can cause painful sting wounds in humans, especially when accidentally stepped on in shallow water. It often lies half-buried in the sand.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Round stingray?
The Round stingray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Venomous spine on the tail that can cause painful puncture wounds; often lies buried in sand.
Where does the Round stingray live?
The Round stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, from northern California to Ecuador, on sand, rubble and mud bottoms of beaches, bays and creeks to about 90 m depth.
How big does the Round stingray get?
The Round stingray grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.
Is the Round stingray dangerous to humans?
The Round stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the venomous tail spine: immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to ease pain, remove any spine fragments, clean the wound and seek medical care.
Is the Round stingray edible?
The Round stingray is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Urolophus
More from the family Urolophidae
Want the complete picture on the Round stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.