Stingray Maskray – Neotrygon varidens

The Stingray Maskray (Neotrygon varidens) is a species of ray found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is characterized by its distinctive mask-like pattern on its dorsal surface and its relatively small size, reaching a maximum length of 35.6 cm.

Description & Characteristics

The Stingray Maskray is a small ray with a distinctive mask-like pattern on its dorsal surface. This pattern is created by a series of dark blotches and lines that are arranged in a circular pattern around the eyes. The ray’s body is flattened and diamond-shaped, with a short, pointed snout and a whip-like tail. The tail bears one or two venomous spines, which can inflict a painful sting. The underside of the ray is white or cream-colored, and the mouth is located on the ventral surface.

Habitat and Occurrence

Neotrygon varidens is a common inhabitant of continental shelf habitats, specifically those associated with reefs and sandy sea floors. It is primarily found in seawater, typically occurring in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, extending into the deeper zones of the ocean from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. This depth range places the Stingray Maskray within the neritic zone, an ecological region that extends from the coastline to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The species Neotrygon varidens is classified within the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Dasyatidae. This family encompasses a diverse group of rays, commonly known as stingrays, characterized by their flattened bodies, prominent pectoral fins, and venomous tail spines.

Feeding

The Stingray Maskray is a carnivorous predator that primarily feeds on a variety of benthic organisms. Its diet includes a diverse range of invertebrates such as clams, crustaceans, snails, and worms, as well as small fish, flatfish, and even small sharks. This varied diet reflects its opportunistic nature, utilizing available food sources within its benthic habitat. The Stingray Maskray’s feeding strategy likely involves using its sensory organs to detect prey, then using its mouth and teeth to consume its catch.