Taeniura
Taeniura is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae. They are commonly called “whipray” due to their long, whip-like tails. Taeniura species are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, typically inhabiting coastal areas, estuaries, and coral reefs. These rays are known for their distinctive coloration, featuring dark, often banded or mottled patterns against a lighter background. Their bodies are relatively flat and disc-shaped, with prominent pectoral fins that extend around the head. Their tails are long and slender, armed with one or more venomous spines near the base.
Common Names
Taeniura species are commonly known as "whiprays," "banded whiprays," or "ocellated whiprays," among other names. The specific common names vary depending on the species and geographic location.
Characteristics
Taeniura species are characterized by the following features:
- Flat, disc-shaped body: Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened, with prominent pectoral fins that extend around the head.
- Long, whip-like tail: Their tails are long and slender, often exceeding the body length.
- Venomous spine: Their tails are armed with one or more venomous spines located near the base.
- Coloration: They typically have a distinctive coloration, featuring dark, often banded or mottled patterns against a lighter background.
- Small, mouth: Their mouths are small and located on the ventral side of the body.
- Five gill slits: They possess five gill slits on the ventral side of the head.
Environments
Taeniura species are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They typically inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and coral reefs. They are often found in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can bury themselves in the sediment.
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