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Spotted stingaree (Urolophus gigas) — Urolophidae

Spotted stingaree

Urolophus gigas
Family: Urolophidae

The Spotted stingaree (Urolophus gigas) is a saltwater fish of the family Urolophidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The spotted stingaree is a large stingaree (Urolophidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an oval, flattened, dark body disc with pale spots and a fleshy tail with a skin fold, a caudal fin and a serrated venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and reef bottoms and crushes molluscs, crustaceans and worms. It is not aggressive, but the tail spine can inflict a severely painful, venomous wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted stingaree?

The Spotted stingaree has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted stingaree live?

The Spotted stingaree lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Spotted stingaree get?

The Spotted stingaree grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Spotted stingaree dangerous to humans?

The Spotted stingaree is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Reuzenstekelrog sourced
English name
Spotted stingaree sourced
Scientific name
Urolophus gigas
Family
Urolophidae
Other names
Sinclair's stingaree; Spotted stingaree verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Urolophus

More from the family Urolophidae

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