The Bullseye Round Stingray – Urobatis concentricus is a species of stingray found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These rays are known for their distinctive appearance and unique features, contributing to their fascinating presence in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Urobatis concentricus is characterized by its circular body shape, with adults reaching a maximum size of 50.0 cm. Their dorsal surface is a mottled brown color, adorned with numerous concentric circles, giving them their characteristic “bullseye” pattern. The underside of the ray is pale white, and the tail is slender and equipped with a venomous spine for defense. The Bullseye Round Stingray is a bottom-dwelling fish, often found resting on the seabed.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bullseye Round Stingray – Urobatis concentricus is typically found in shallow coastal waters and on the continental shelf, often inhabiting rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. They are known to be active during both the day and night, often burying themselves in the sand to ambush prey. This species is most commonly observed at depths ranging from 1.0 to 109.0 meters, often found in the Neritic Zone and the Continental Shelf region. Their habitat preference spans across the eastern Pacific Ocean, making them a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Urobatis concentricus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Urotrygonidae. This classification highlights the evolutionary lineage of the Bullseye Round Stingray within the broader group of cartilaginous fishes.
Feeding
The Bullseye Round Stingray – Urobatis concentricus is a carnivorous species that primarily feeds on zoobenthos, which includes a wide variety of organisms found on the ocean floor. Their diet consists of invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, worms, and mollusks. The Urobatis concentricus utilizes its sensitive electroreceptors to detect the presence of prey buried in the sediment, efficiently hunting its food within the depths of its habitat.
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