Cowtail Stingray
Pastinachus sephen
Also known as: Banana-tail Ray, Bennett's Stingray, Cowtail Ray, Drab Stingray, Fantail Ray, Fantail Stingray, Feathertail Stingray, Frill-tailed Stingray
- Banana-tail Ray
- Bennett's Stingray
- Cowtail Ray
- Drab Stingray
- Fantail Ray
- Fantail Stingray
- Feathertail Stingray
- Frill-tailed Stingray
Overview
Found singly, often partially buried with just their eyes showing, or resting on the sand over lagoons, reef faces, reef flats and in rivers far from the sea.
Rays are bottom feeders, they settle themselves down over their prey, trapping them against the substrate with their disc, then flexing their disc flaps and manoeuvring the victims into their mouths.
Most rays live in the sea, but some can be found in estuaries, often hard to see as they can be buried in the sand, occasionally they can be seen leaping out of the water.
As a form of defence rays have electric organs while others have venomous spines.
Usually rays will swim out of harms way if approached, however they can give a nasty sting which could prove fatal.
Never swim over the top of large rays, they think you are a predator and are likely to whip their tails in defense! (as happened to Steve Irwin)
How to identify
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-West Pacific
- Exact location · 3
- Country only · 4
Found singly, often partially buried with just their eyes showing, or resting on the sand over lagoons, reef faces, reef flats and in rivers far from the sea.
Adult photos 7
Discussion
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Deep dive
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