Urolophidae

Characteristics

Urolophidae species exhibit several distinguishing features:

• Disc shape: Their pectoral fins are fused to form a broad, rounded disc, which is typically wider than it is long.
• Snout: Their snout is relatively short and rounded, giving them a somewhat blunt appearance.
• Eyes: Their eyes are located on the dorsal surface of the head, slightly behind the spiracles (breathing holes).
• Mouth: Their mouths are situated ventrally, with a number of small, pavement-like teeth.
• Tail: Their tails are thin and whip-like, with one or two venomous spines located near the base.
• Skin: Their skin is typically smooth and devoid of scales, though some species may have a few small denticles.
• Size: Urolophidae species vary in size, ranging from small (around 30 cm) to large (over 1 meter).

Environments

Stingarees inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:

• Coastal waters: They are commonly found in shallow, inshore areas, such as bays, estuaries, and coastal reefs.
• Continental shelves: Some species inhabit deeper waters on the continental shelf, down to depths of several hundred meters.
• Substrates: They are primarily bottom-dwelling rays, preferring sandy, muddy, or rocky substrates.

Distribution

Urolophidae species have a wide distribution, occurring in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region, with the highest species diversity found in Australia and Southeast Asia.

Diet

Stingarees are opportunistic carnivores, feeding primarily on a variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish. They use their sharp teeth to crush and grind their prey.

Reproduction

Stingarees are ovoviviparous, meaning that their embryos develop within eggs that are retained inside the mother's body until they hatch. The young are born live and fully developed, and they are typically able to swim and hunt for food immediately after birth.

Conservation

The conservation status of stingarees varies by species. Some species are considered to be common and abundant, while others are facing threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution. Several species of stingarees are listed as vulnerable or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

References

FishBase
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
World Register of Marine Species