Stingray

A stingray is a cartilaginous fish that belongs to the ray family, which is closely related to sharks. They are named for the barbed, venomous spine located on their whip-like tail, which is used for self-defense.

Stingrays have a flattened, disc-shaped body with pectoral fins that are fused to their head, giving them a unique kite-like or winged appearance. Their eyes are located on top of their body, while their mouth, nostrils, and gill slits are on their underside. They have a long, slender tail, at the base of which is a sharp, serrated spine that can deliver a painful sting.

Stingrays are found in coastal tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, though some species can also be found in freshwater. They are bottom-dwellers, often burying themselves in the sand or mud to hide from predators and ambush prey. Their diet consists of shellfish, clams, oysters, crabs, and other small invertebrates, which they crush with their powerful jaws.

Stingrays are generally not aggressive toward humans and will only use their venomous spine if they feel threatened, often when accidentally stepped on. To avoid a sting, people are advised to shuffle their feet when walking in shallow water, which creates vibrations that will alert the stingray and cause it to swim away.