Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Hypanus americanus
- Common name
- Southern stingray
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Dasyatidae
- Genus
- Hypanus
- Size
- 100–200 cm
- Depth
- 0–53 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- sand, seagrass
- Behaviours
- solitary, benthic
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Hypanus americanus reaches 2 m across. Disc-shaped grey-brown body, long tail carrying a venomous barb near the body. Lives buried in sand in shallow water (0 to 53 m), often in turtle grass. Feeds by rooting the sand for invertebrates. Famous at Grand Cayman Stingray City where it interacts with divers. Respect distance, always shuffle feet on sand.
Photo of Southern stingray
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Southern stingray?
- Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) reaches 100–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Southern stingray?
- Southern stingray is found between 0–53 m deep.
- Is the Southern stingray dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Southern stingray?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Southern stingray?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Dasyatidae
- Taeniura grabata - Round stingray
- Pastinachus sephen - Cowtail Stingray
- Himantura uarnak - Honeycomb Stingray
- Dasyatis pastinaca - Common Stingray
- Neotrygon kuhlii - Blue-Spotted Stingray
- Taeniurops meyeni - Round ribbontail ray
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 1042856)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9335213)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia