Fin's Fish Guide
The Whip sting-ray (Dasyatis hastata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 104 cm.
Description
The whip stingray is a large stingray from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 104 cm across and has a flat, rhomboid body disc and a long, whip-like tail with a venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried in sand or mud of coastal and estuarine water and searches for molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. The venomous spine can inflict a painful, venomous puncture wound. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whip sting-ray?
The Whip sting-ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Flat disc with a long whip tail and a venomous spine; burrowing bottom ray
Where does the Whip sting-ray live?
The Whip sting-ray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic
How big does the Whip sting-ray get?
The Whip sting-ray grows to a maximum of about 104 cm.
Is the Whip sting-ray dangerous to humans?
The Whip sting-ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the tail spine: immerse the wound immediately in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help.
Is the Whip sting-ray edible?
The Whip sting-ray is rarely eaten.
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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 Whip sting-ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whip sting-ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.