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🌊 Marine ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Subtropical

Smalleye whip ray

Himantura microphthalma Chen, 1948
← All Species
Max Length
-
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
90.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Smalleye whip ray (Himantura microphthalma) is a ray-finned fish of the family Dasyatidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Himantura microphthalma
Authority
Chen, 1948
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
90.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Smalleye whip ray is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Smalleye whip ray is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

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; demersal. Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Taiwan.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.6±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01023 × L3.06 (TL)

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
90.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Chen, 1948

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous cytotoxic
Delivery
serrated caudal spine (barb)
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
phosphodiesterase 5-nucleotidase cardiotoxin peptides
Symptoms
  • intense pain
  • laceration
  • oedema
  • retained spine fragments possible
Affected Body Systems
cardiovascular muscular
First Aid
Hot water immersion. Do not remove embedded barb from chest or abdomen - medical removal only.
Medical Treatment

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

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