The Haller’s Roundstingray, Haller’s Roundray, Round Stingray – Urobatis halleri is a species of ray found in the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. This ray is known for its distinctive round shape and is a relatively common sight in its preferred habitats. It is a fascinating creature that plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Urobatis halleri, commonly known as the Haller’s Roundstingray, is a distinctive ray with a circular disc-shaped body. It can reach a maximum size of 58.0 cm in diameter. Its dorsal surface is typically a grayish-brown color, often with darker blotches and spots. The ventral surface is lighter, typically a creamy white with a few darker markings. The Urobatis halleri has a short, blunt snout and a small, crescent-shaped mouth. Its tail is relatively short and possesses a venomous spine that is used for defense.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Urobatis halleri is a benthic species, meaning it primarily lives on the seafloor. It can be found in a variety of habitats including bays, lagoons, muddy grounds, rubble floors, sandy sea floors, seagrass meadows, and eelgrass meadows. It is typically found in the neritic zone, which extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This depth range allows the Urobatis halleri to occupy a variety of marine environments, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans.
Taxonomy
The Urobatis halleri belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Urotrygonidae. This classification reflects its evolutionary history and its relationship to other cartilaginous fish.
Distribution and Occurrence
The Urobatis halleri, also known as the Haller’s Roundstingray, or Round Stingray, is found along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Baja California, Mexico to southern California, USA. Its presence in the neritic zone, encompassing the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth, makes it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Feeding
Urobatis halleri are opportunistic carnivores with a varied diet. They primarily feed on a variety of benthic invertebrates, including worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also consume small fish, including flatfish. Their feeding habits play an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
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