Patchwork Stingaree
Urolophus flavomosaicus
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Sharks and rays
The patchwork stingaree is a little-known species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, with a disjunct distribution off northwestern and northeastern Australia. It typically inhabits the outer continental shelf, at a depth of 60–320 m (200–1,050 ft). This species has a diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc much wider than it is long, and a short, flattened tail with a prominent dorsal fin and leaf-like caudal fin. There is a skirt-shaped curtain of skin between its nostrils. Its dorsal colour pattern resembles a mosaic of dark brown rings with light-coloured centers, separated by fine reticulated lines. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the patchwork stingaree under Least Concern, as it is subject to minimal fishing pressure.
Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Myliobatiformes
- Family
- Urolophidae
- Genus
- Urolophus