Short-tail Stingray [Bathytoshia brevicaudata]
Description
This species is the largest marine stingray, reaching up to 4.3 meters in disc width and 350 kilograms in weight. It is found in coastal waters of the southern hemisphere, particularly around South Africa and Australia. Distinguished by its short, thick tail with a ventral fin fold running along most of its length, it is generally gray to brown above and white below. The Short-tail Stingray feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and bony fishes. It is known for its curious and occasionally aggressive behavior towards divers.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Stingrays
Myliobatiformes
|
| Family |
Giant Stingrays
Dasyatidae
|
| Genus |
Giant Stingrays
Urogymnus
|