Southern Stingray
Hypanus americanus
Southern stingrays inhabit warm, shallow Atlantic and Caribbean coastal waters, especially sandy flats, reefs, and seagrass beds. They glide close to the bottom and uncover buried prey by stirring sediment with their fins. Adults eat crabs, clams, shrimp, worms, and small fish, crushing hard prey with flattened tooth plates. Their long tail carries a serrated venomous spine that can inflict a painful defensive wound.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- NT