Porcupine whipray
📖 Overview
Inhabits the continental shelf area , but capable of entering coastal lagoons . Found on sand and coral rubble areas near reefs , often in caves. Ovoviviparous . Due to its difficult handling, it is probably of limited commercial value . Its thorn can inflict a painful injury; caught commonly by demersal tangle net fisheries; utilized for its meat, skin (very high value) and cartilage.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Diagnosis: A heavily armored stingray lacking a venomous barb; young with large, flat denticles on upper surface, and large juveniles and adults with additional sharp conical thorns and small, pointed denticles . : other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Porcupine whipray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Porcupine whipray is currently being compiled.
🥚 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 . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 217 m . Tropical; 31°N - 31°S, 20°W - 177°W Central Atlantic: Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Porcupine whipray 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 | 21.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 89 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Porcupine whipray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Porcupine whipray ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.