Common stingray
📖 Overview
A coastal species, which enters coastal lagoons, shallow bays and estuaries . Found over sandy and muddy bottoms, sometimes near rocky reefs . Feeds on bottom fishes, crustaceans and mollusks. Ovoviviparous, gestation period about 4 months and 4-7 young are produced. Wings marketed smoked, dried-salted, and also used for fishmeal and oil. Harmful to shellfish banks; dangerous to bathers and fishers due to its poisonous spine. Barbed poison spine is a modified denticle that can be 35cm long, shed occasionally and replaced . Maximum reported width about 150 cm .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Common stingray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 5 - 200 m , usually 20 - 35 m . Subtropical; 61°N - 17°S, 32°W - 42°E East Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Black Sea, from the North Sea to Angola.
🌿 Ecology
bottom fishes, crustaceans and mollusks
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- intense pain
- laceration
- oedema
- retained spine fragments possible
Wound care, imaging for retained spine, tetanus prophylaxis, antibiotic prophylaxis for marine wounds.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Common stingray is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 263 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Common stingray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dasyatis pastinica | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Dasyatis pestinaca | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Dasyatis ujo | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Dasyatis ujus | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Dasybatus pastinaca | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Pastinaca laevis | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Pastinaca olivacea | Swainson | 1839 | Synonym |
| Raia pastinaca | Stephan | 1779 | Synonym |
| Raja pastinaca | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Raja spec | Linnæus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Trygon pastinaca | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Trygon vulgaris | Risso | 1827 | Synonym |
| Trygon vulgaris pastinaca | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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