Urolophus paucimaculatus, commonly known as the Few-spotted Stingray, is a species of ray belonging to the family Urolophidae. It is a relatively small ray, reaching a maximum size of 57.0 cm. This species exhibits a distinctive appearance and plays a significant role in its marine environment.
Description & Characteristics
Urolophus paucimaculatus is characterized by its flattened, disc-shaped body, with a broad, rounded snout and a short, pointed tail. The dorsal surface of the disc is typically grayish-brown in color, with a scattering of small, dark spots. The ventral surface is whitish, with a few dark spots. The ray possesses a pair of prominent, lateral fins that extend beyond the disc margins, giving it a distinctive appearance. The tail is slender and terminates in a whip-like tip, bearing a venomous spine that can inflict a painful sting. The eyes are small and situated on the dorsal surface of the head. The mouth is located on the ventral surface, surrounded by a series of small, pointed teeth.
Habitat and Occurrence
Urolophus paucimaculatus is found in the marine waters of the western Pacific Ocean. This species typically inhabits the continental shelf and upper slope, ranging in depth from 5.0 to 150.0 meters. The Few-spotted Stingray prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often in areas with scattered rocks or coral. It is commonly found in the demersal zone, which is the layer of water near the seabed. Its distribution encompasses various marine zones, including the neritic zone (the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf), and the bathyal zone (the area of the ocean that lies beyond the neritic zone and extends to a depth of about 4,000 meters).
Taxonomy
The species Urolophus paucimaculatus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Urolophidae. Elasmobranchii represents the class of cartilaginous fish, which includes sharks, rays, and skates. Myliobatiformes is the order that encompasses eagle rays, stingrays, and manta rays, characterized by their flattened bodies and gill openings on the ventral surface. The family Urolophidae comprises the round rays, which are characterized by their disc-shaped bodies, small mouths, and venomous spines.
Feeding
Urolophus paucimaculatus is a carnivorous predator. Its diet mainly consists of small invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. The Few-spotted Stingray locates its prey using its specialized electroreceptors, which detect the electrical fields generated by other organisms. It then captures its prey by using its jaws to crush and grind the hard shells of its prey.
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