Hemitrygon bennettii, commonly known as Bennet’s Stingray, is a species of ray found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a relatively small species, reaching a maximum size of 35.2 cm in disc width.
Description & Characteristics
Hemitrygon bennettii is characterized by its distinctive disc-shaped body, a flattened, triangular pectoral fin that extends around the head. The ray has a short, blunt snout and a pair of small, forward-facing eyes. Its tail is slender and whip-like, bearing a venomous spine near its base. This spine serves as a defense mechanism, delivering a painful sting to any potential threat. The coloration of Hemitrygon bennettii is typically brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with darker markings on the dorsal surface. Its ventral surface is pale white.
Habitat and Occurrence
Hemitrygon bennettii is a demersal species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the seafloor. It is found in a variety of habitats, including sandy bottoms, muddy bottoms, and coral reefs. The species is typically found in depths ranging from 1.0 to 40.0 meters. Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, encompassing a wide range of marine zones, including the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific Ocean, and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
Hemitrygon bennettii is classified within the Class Elasmobranchii, which includes all sharks, rays, and skates. It belongs to the Order Myliobatiformes, a diverse order of rays characterized by their flattened bodies and enlarged pectoral fins. Within this order, Hemitrygon bennettii is a member of the Family Dasyatidae, a family of stingrays known for their venomous tail spines.
Feeding
Hemitrygon bennettii is a carnivorous species that primarily feeds on invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It uses its sensitive electroreceptors to locate prey buried in the sediment. Hemitrygon bennettii also feeds on small fish.
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