Dasyatis
Dasyatis is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae. The genus is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Dasyatis species are generally characterized by their diamond-shaped pectoral fins, long, whip-like tails with a single stinging spine, and flattened bodies. They are bottom-dwelling fish, and are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays.
Common Names
Species in the genus Dasyatis are commonly known as "stingrays", "whiprays", or "stingarees".
Characteristics
Dasyatis stingrays exhibit a number of shared characteristics, including:
- Diamond-shaped pectoral fins: The pectoral fins are large and fused to the head, giving the rays a flattened, disk-like appearance.
- Long, whip-like tail: The tail is slender and often much longer than the body, and contains a single, venomous spine.
- Ventral mouth: The mouth is located on the underside of the body, and is surrounded by a series of sensory pores.
- Five gill slits: Gill slits are located on the underside of the body, just behind the pectoral fins.
- Stinging spine: The tail has a single, barbed spine that is connected to a venom gland. This spine can inflict a painful wound if the ray feels threatened.
Environment
Dasyatis stingrays are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are often found near the shore, in shallow water.
- Estuaries: Some species are adapted to live in brackish water, where rivers meet the ocean.
- Bays: They can also be found in sheltered bays and inlets.
References
For more information about the genus Dasyatis, you can consult the following websites: