Fin's Fish Guide
The Tortonese's stingray (Dasyatis tortonesei) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Europe: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia Herzegov., Croatia, Cyprus, France and others
Description
Tortonese's stingray is a whiptail stingray (Dasyatidae) from the Mediterranean and adjacent parts of the eastern Atlantic. The species grows to about 80 cm across and has a diamond-shaped, flattened, brown-grey disc and a long, whip-like tail with a venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and searches for molluscs, crustaceans and worms. The tail spine can inflict a very painful wound; never walk on sandy bottoms without shuffling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tortonese's stingray?
The Tortonese's stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Tortonese's stingray live?
The Tortonese's stingray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Europe: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia Herzegov., Croatia, Cyprus, France and others
How big does the Tortonese's stingray get?
The Tortonese's stingray grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 65 cm.
Is the Tortonese's stingray dangerous to humans?
The Tortonese's stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Leave the water and rinse the wound with clean water; do not remove embedded spine fragments on the spot. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C) to ease pain. A sting to the torso, chest or abdomen is an emergency: call medical help immediately and check tetanus status.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Tortonese's stingray and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dasyatis
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Tortonese's stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tortonese's stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.