Fin's Fish Guide
The Tumbes round stingray (Urobatis tumbesensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Urotrygonidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The Tumbes round stingray is a round stingray (Urotrygonidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine waters of the eastern Pacific, off Peru and Ecuador. The species grows to about 35 cm wide and has a round, flattened, brown body disc and a short tail with a serrated venomous spine and a caudal fin. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and crushes molluscs and crustaceans. It is not aggressive, but stepping on the tail gives an extremely painful, venomous wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tumbes round stingray?
The Tumbes round stingray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Tumbes round stingray live?
The Tumbes round stingray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Tumbes round stingray get?
The Tumbes round stingray grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Tumbes round stingray dangerous to humans?
The Tumbes round stingray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not step on the tail or grab the fish by the tail. For a sting: immediately immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the protein venom; have any retained spine fragments removed. Pain is severe: always seek medical help and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Urobatis
More from the family Urotrygonidae
Want the complete picture on the Tumbes round stingray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tumbes round stingray is one of 12,519 species in the app.