Leopard whipray

Biology

The leopard whipray inhabits tropical coastal waters concealed on sandy bottoms. With a diamond-shaped body, it is born fully formed and about 20 centimetres in size. As an adult it acquires the black spots characteristic of the species and which give it its name.

Conservation

A large part of this species’ range is subject to heavy fishing pressure and extensive habitat degradation, and it is suspected that significant population declines have occurred and are ongoing. For this reason it is classified as Vulnerable.

Curiosities

This whipray has a venomous sting on the tail that may cause painful wounds.