Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped panray (Zanobatus schoenleinii) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
The striped panray is an almost round, disc-shaped ray of the family Zanobatidae (panrays) reaching about 1 metre. The nearly circular pectoral disc bears a handsome pattern of dark bands and marbling on a brown ground. The rear body is sturdier and more shark-like than in stingrays, with two dorsal fins on the tail, but without a venomous spine. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water along the West African coast, where it often lies half-buried. On the bottom it hunts crabs, shrimps, worms and small fish. It is ovoviviparous. Through heavy fishing and bycatch it has declined and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped panray?
The Striped panray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Almost round, disc-shaped ray with a handsome pattern of dark bands and marbling; a sturdy tail with two dorsal fins, but no venomous spine.
Where does the Striped panray live?
The Striped panray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Striped panray get?
The Striped panray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Striped panray dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped panray is harmless to humans. Unlike stingrays the panray has no venomous tail spine and is harmless; the skin and small thorns can abrade, however.
Is the Striped panray edible?
Yes, the Striped panray is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped panray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped panray is one of 12,519 species in the app.