Stingray

Fact File: Common Name(s): Stingray Scientific Name: Dasyatis pastinaca Usual Size: UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: 54lb 09oz 06drm Boat: 72lb 02oz MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: The outer edges of the disc are rounded and the front edges are rather straight leading to a small pointed snout. No dorsal fins and one or more spines about one third of the way along the tail. the total length of the tail never exceeds one and a half times the body length. Colour: greyish, olive or brown with white underside. Breeding: Gives birth to live young during the summer, although not in the UK. Habitat: Shallow sandy bottoms and is tolerant of estuarine conditions. Food: diet varied but almost exclusively bottom living organisms Range: Found all round the UK but more so the southern North sea around the Thames estuary Additional Notes: Tail spine has an associated venom sac. Wounds caused by this will be very painful, may cause paralysis but not often fatal.

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