Smalltooth stingray – Hypanus rudis

Hypanus rudis, commonly known as the roughtail stingray, is a species of ray belonging to the family Dasyatidae. It is a large and powerful fish with a distinctive rough texture on its tail. This species can be found in a variety of marine environments, playing a significant role in the delicate balance of its ecosystem.

Description & Characteristics

Hypanus rudis possesses a characteristic flattened body typical of rays, with a wide, disc-shaped pectoral fin that extends from its head to its tail. Their bodies are adorned with a smooth, leathery skin, while the tail, as its name suggests, is covered in rough scales. The tail, which features a serrated, venomous spine, is often longer than the body itself. The maximum size of Hypanus rudis can reach a remarkable 320.0 cm in length, making them one of the larger stingrays in their range.

Habitat and Occurrence

Hypanus rudis is a predominantly benthic species, meaning it spends most of its time on or near the seafloor. Their habitat preference lies in the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. They are particularly abundant in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, often inhabiting estuaries, bays, and coastal reefs. This distribution suggests their adaptability to a variety of marine zones, including the neritic zone, the area of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

Hypanus rudis is a member of the Class Elasmobranchii, commonly known as cartilaginous fishes, which also includes sharks and chimaeras. Within this class, it belongs to the Order Myliobatiformes, encompassing a diverse group of rays, skates, and guitarfish. Finally, Hypanus rudis belongs to the Family Dasyatidae, commonly known as stingrays, characterized by their distinctive venomous tail spines.

Feeding

Hypanus rudis is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on a variety of benthic invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They use their powerful jaws and flattened teeth to crush and grind their prey. Their feeding habits contribute to the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem by regulating the populations of their prey.