Name: Honeycomb stingray, coachwhip ray, marbled stingray
Scientific Name: Himantura uarnak (Forsskål, 1775)
Family: Dasyatidae
Group: Sharks, rays and chimaeras
Class: Fish
Size: 101-200 cm.
While juveniles, these rays shelter in estuaries. As adults, they move towards beaches, coral reefs and mangroves, always on sandy bottoms. The pattern covering their back undergoes significant changes throughout their lives. In fact, the juveniles are light with dark spots and it is only as adults that they acquire the beautiful reticulated pattern, which is characteristic of this species. In the oldest individuals, this pattern fades and is replaced by tubercles. They have a venomous sting on the tail that can cause deep and extremely painful injuries. The pain can be alleviated by immersing the wound in very hot water, which neutralises the venom.
Photo by:
Martin Röll
Global Ocean
