Stingray
Description
of the Stingray
The Stingray is a cartilaginous fish which is related to the
shark. They are curious fish but larger species can be
aggressive and use their inbuilt defensive mechanism - their
tail also known as their barb to injury or even kill their
attackers. Their flat bodies enable them to conceal themselves
from predators and they feed on the ocean floor. There are eight
families of Stingrays: Eagle Rays (Myliobatidae), Whiptail
Stingrays (Dasyatidae), Sixgill stingray (Hexatrygonidae) , Deep
water stingray (Plesiobatidae) , stingarees (Urolophidae) ,
Round Rays (Urotrygonidae), River Stingrays
(Potamotrygonidae)and Butterfly Rays (Gymnuridae).
Profile of
the Stingray
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Stingray species.
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Diet / Feeding:
Crustaceans, Small Fish
-
Temperament:
Curious, can be aggressive if attacked but usually only
react in self defence
Scientific
Classification of the Stingray
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
-
Species:
Myliobatoidei
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Popular Name:
Stingray
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Kingdom:
Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class:
Chondrichthyes
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Order:
Myliobatiformes
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Stingray?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Stingray slimy?
Stingray secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Stingray to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Stingray have gills?
Gills enable the Stingray to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Stingray have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Stingray
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Stingray
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Stingray
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Stingray
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Stingray
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