Family: Dasyatidae, Stingrays view all from this family

Description 48" (120 cm) disk width. Flattened, diamond-shaped disk; snout pointed; leading edge of enlarged pectoral fin "wings" straight, with rounded tip. Blackish above, white below. Raised eyes far apart, set back. Whiplike tail 1 1/2 times longer than disk, with strong spine near base; lacks caudal fin.

Warning Rays in the genus Dasyatis have a long whiplike tail with a venomous spine. These rays are potentially dangerous to swimmers and waders as they can inflict wounds characterized by intense pain and slow recovery. To prevent an encounter with a ray, shuffle your feet as you walk through the water so you nudge the ray on the side or from underneath: it is likely to swim away.

Habitat Sand, mud bottoms; shallows to 55' (6.5 m) deep.

Range Pacific coast from California (possibly as far north as British Columbia) south to Peru; more common south of Los Angeles.

Discussion Often lies in sand with only its eyes exposed. Stingrays stir the bottom with their pectoral fins in order to dislodge worms, mussels, and small crustaceans on which they feed.