Name: Stingray
Scientific Name: Dasyatis americana
FAQ: The stingrays are a family-Dasyatidae-of rays, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They are common in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters throughout the world, but the family also includes species found in warmer temperate oceans. They are named after the barbed stinger (actually a modified dermal denticle) on their tail, which is used exclusively in self-defense. The stinger may reach a length of approximately 35 cm, and its underside has two grooves with venom glands.The stinger is covered with a thin layer of skin, the integumentary sheath, in which the venom is concentratedThe flattened bodies of stingrays allow them to effectively conceal themselves in their environment. Stingrays do this by agitating the sand and hiding beneath it. Because their eyes are on top of their bodies and their mouths on the undersides.Stingrays cannot see their prey; instead, they use smell and electro-receptors (ampullae of Lorenzini) similar to those of sharks. DIET: Stingrays feed primarily on molluscs, crustaceans, and occasionally on small fish. Some stingrays' mouths contain two powerful, shell-crushing plates, while other species only have sucking mouthparts. Stingrays settle on the bottom while feeding, often leaving only their eyes and tail visible. Coral reefs are favorite feeding grounds and are usually shared with sharks during high tide.Stingrays do not aggressively attack humans, though stings do normally occur if a ray is accidentally stepped on. To avoid stepping on a stingray in shallow water, the water should be waded through with a shuffle.Contact with the stinger causes local trauma (from the cut itself), pain, swelling, muscle cramps from the venom, and later possibly even infection from bacteria. The injury is very painful, but seldom life-threatening unless the stinger pierces a vital area.The barb usually breaks off in the wound, and surgery may be required to remove the fragments.A notable fatality is that of wildlife adventurer and television personality Steve Irwin from Australia, who died after being pierced through the chest by a stingray barb while filming The Great Barrier Reef in 2006.Alternatively, before wading, stones can be thrown into the water to scare stingrays away.
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