Pastinachus

Characteristics

Whiptail stingrays are identified by their flattened, diamond-shaped bodies and long, slender tails. They possess a venomous spine near the base of their tail, used for defense. This spine is typically serrated and can inflict a painful wound.

These rays exhibit a range of coloration, often featuring brown, gray, or olive hues with dark spots or blotches. Their ventral surface is usually white or pale. Some species have distinctive patterns on their backs.

Habitat and Distribution

Pastinachus species are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They favor sandy or muddy bottoms, inhabiting coastal areas, estuaries, and continental shelves. These rays are generally found in shallow waters but can also be encountered at greater depths.

Diet

Whiptail stingrays are carnivorous, feeding primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish. They use their flattened bodies and pectoral fins to maneuver across the seafloor, locating their prey with their sensitive electroreceptors.

Reproduction

Pastinachus rays are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. The embryos develop within eggs inside the mother's body, receiving nourishment through a placenta-like structure. The females typically produce a litter of one to five pups, which are born fully developed.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Pastinachus species varies. While some are listed as Least Concern, others face threats from fishing pressure, habitat degradation, and pollution. Many species are also vulnerable to bycatch in fisheries.

Species

The genus Pastinachus currently includes 10 recognized species:

• Pastinachus aethiopicus
• Pastinachus argenteus
• Pastinachus ater
• Pastinachus bignose
• Pastinachus dagmarae
• Pastinachus fijiensis
• Pastinachus garretti
• Pastinachus sephen
• Pastinachus stellfer
• Pastinachus waltoni

References

• Last, P.R.; Séret, B.; Yearsley, G.K. (2016). "Pastinachus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T175949A115129903. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T175949A115129903.en. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
• Compagno, L.J.V.; Ebert, D.A.; Fowler, S.L. (2005). "Order Myliobatiformes". In: Carpenter, K.E.; Niem, V.H. (eds.). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 3. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. pp. 1337–1375. ISBN 978-92-5-105427-3.