Name: Leopard whipray
Scientific Name: Himantura undulata (Bleeker, 1852)
Family: Dasyatidae
Group: Sharks, rays and chimaeras
Class: Fish
Size: 101-200 cm.
The leopard whipray lives in coastal tropical waters, concealed on sandy bottoms. When they are born, the juveniles measure about 20 cm and have a fully formed body, covered in large black spots. It is only as adults that they acquire the beautiful speckled pattern, which is characteristic of the species and resembles that of a leopard. Leopard whiprays have a venomous sting on the tail that can cause deep and extremely painful wounds. To relieve the pain, one must immerse the injury in very hot water, which neutralises the venom.
Photo by:
photo.net
Oceanário Location
Global Ocean
