A common bottom dweller in coastal Florida waters and estuaries, they are found primarily in tropic to temperate latitudes of the western Atlantic Ocean. They are part of the Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) and the Subclass Elasmobranch which includes sharks, rays, skates and sawfish. Southern stingrays can grow to be 5 feet wide and weigh up to 200 pounds. They have two rows of gills on their underside as well as special adaptations called “spiracles” behind their eyes for breathing when resting in the sand. Just like sharks, they use the electroreceptors called “Ampullae of Lorenzini” to find prey in the sand such as bivalves, shrimp, crab, and small fish. They do not use their barbs to hunt, but as a last line of defense. If a person is struck by one of their serrated venomous barbs, you should immediately place it into very hot water and then go to the ER (exception to our beloved Steve Irwin to which the barb struck his heart, rest in peace). SO whenever you are at the beach, please don’t be afraid of these animals but rather make sure you do the #stingrayshuffle through the sand to alert them something is coming and to avoid stepping on them for your safety and theirs!! Their predators include the hammerhead shark and humans. They have been bycatch of trawl nets, but also have a small market of consumption. Particularly their wings are favored and the rest is discarded (similar to shark finning). Pretty messed up. There is not a lot of data known on their population status, but they are still worth protecting and play an important role in the ecosystem!
Fun Fact: they are a common species in aquariums and if you have ever touched one they are slimy (same goes for all species) because they are covered in a protective layer of mucus! #longlivetheseapancakes
Originally posted 7 April 2019
(not my pictures)
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