Urolophus
Urolophus is a genus of stingrays in the family Urolophidae. Commonly known as fanrays, they are found in the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific regions. These rays are characterized by their flattened bodies, large pectoral fins that extend around the head to form a disc, and a short, pointed tail with a venomous spine. They inhabit a variety of environments, including sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows.
Characteristics
Urolophus species typically range in size from 20 to 50 centimeters (8 to 20 inches) in length. Their bodies are flattened dorsoventrally, with a broad, oval-shaped disc. They have small, forward-facing eyes and a pair of spiracles, which are respiratory openings located on the dorsal surface of the head. They possess five gill slits on the ventral surface of the body, and their mouths are located on the underside of the head.
Environments
Urolophus species are typically found in shallow coastal waters, inhabiting a variety of habitats. Some species prefer sandy bottoms, while others inhabit rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and even mangrove swamps. They are known to burrow into the sediment, using their pectoral fins to dig, and often lie buried in the sand, waiting to ambush prey.
Diet
Urolophus are carnivores, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They use their venomous spines to subdue prey, and their jaws are equipped with small, sharp teeth for crushing and grinding food.
Reproduction
Urolophus species are ovoviviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young. The embryos develop inside eggs within the female's reproductive tract, and the mother provides nourishment to the developing embryos. Litters typically consist of one to five pups.
Conservation
Several Urolophus species are considered to be vulnerable or near threatened due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. Some species are also harvested for their meat and skin.
List of Species
The genus Urolophus contains numerous species, including but not limited to:
- Urolophus armatus
- Urolophus aurantiacus
- Urolophus bucculentus
- Urolophus cruciatus
- Urolophus halleri
- Urolophus indicus
- Urolophus japonicus
- Urolophus lobatus
- Urolophus longimanus
- Urolophus maculatus
- Urolophus mitsukurina
- Urolophus mucosus
- Urolophus neocaledonicus
- Urolophus paucimaculatus
- Urolophus personatus
- Urolophus phillipsi
- Urolophus piscatorius
- Urolophus polystigma
- Urolophus regia
- Urolophus ruffus
- Urolophus sapphirinus
- Urolophus schmardae
- Urolophus singularis
- Urolophus testaceus
- Urolophus triangularis
- Urolophus westraliensis
- Urolophus woodwardi