The Giant Stingray, New Zealand Short-tail Stingaree, New Zealand Short-tailed Stingaree, Schreiners Ray, Short-tail Stingray, Short-tailed Stingaree, Stingray, Smooth Stingray, Smooth Stingray, Stingray, Giant Stingray, Schreiners Ray, Giant Black Ray, Short-Tail Stingray, Short-Tailed Stingaree, New Zealand Short-Tail Stingaree, New Zealand Short-Tailed Stingaree, Captain Cook’s Stingaree, Whai Repo, scientifically known as Bathytoshia brevicaudata, is a large and fascinating ray species found in the waters surrounding New Zealand.
Description & Characteristics
Bathytoshia brevicaudata is a distinctive ray with a broad, flattened body and a short, whip-like tail. Its dorsal surface is smooth and often dark gray or brown in color, while its ventral side is paler. This species can grow to an impressive size, reaching a maximum length of 430 cm. Its large pectoral fins, fused to its head, create a wing-like appearance, allowing for graceful movements through the water. The most notable feature of Bathytoshia brevicaudata is its venomous spine located near the base of its tail, a defense mechanism used to deter predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Giant Stingray, Bathytoshia brevicaudata, inhabits a wide depth range, from the surface down to 476 meters. This adaptability allows it to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including coastal waters, reefs, and deeper ocean floors. The species’ distribution is primarily centered around the waters of New Zealand, but it has also been observed in some regions of the Tasman Sea. Its presence in such varied marine environments highlights its remarkable adaptability and ecological significance.
Taxonomy
The species Bathytoshia brevicaudata belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Dasyatidae. This classification places it within the group of cartilaginous fishes that includes sharks, rays, and skates. Its specific name “brevicaudata” refers to its short tail, a defining characteristic that distinguishes it from other stingray species.
Feeding
Bathytoshia brevicaudata is a carnivore, feeding primarily on a diverse range of benthic organisms. Its diet includes clams, crustaceans, invertebrates, krill, lobster, nekton, rock lobster, shrimps, sepia, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This varied diet reflects its opportunistic feeding behavior, allowing it to thrive in a variety of habitats. It is often observed foraging on the seafloor, utilizing its sensory organs to locate prey buried in the sand or hiding under rocks.
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