 |
|
General: Stingray, common name for the large rays having broad, flattened pectoral fins that give them an almost diamond shape; in some species the fins are more than 1.5 m (5 ft) wide. The long, fin-less, whip-like tail has one or more large, sharp, sometimes barbed spines at its base that are associated with poison glands and can inflict severe wounds-stingrays are, in fact, the most common cause of severe fish stings. The ventral (bottom) gills are supplied with water by paired spiracles (breathing holes) behind the dorsal eyes. The mouth, also ventral, has small, blunt teeth that are used for feeding on shellfish. Stingrays are usually found in warm, shallow water, but may enter more temperate waters in warm seasons. They are ovoviviparous-that is, the female carries eggs that hatch at the time of birth. Another ray family also contains poisonous species known as freshwater stingrays. These stingrays occur in lakes and rivers of South America.
Scientific classification:
Stingrays make up the family Dasyatidae. The freshwater stingrays of South America make up the family Potamotrygonidae.
|
|
/ Photos of Britain