Spotted Stingaree
Urolophus gigas
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Sharks and rays
The spotted stingaree is an uncommon species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, endemic to shallow waters along the coast of southern Australia. It favors rocky reefs and seagrass beds. This species can be readily identified by its nearly circular, dark-colored pectoral fin disc, adorned with a complex pattern of white or cream spots. Its eastern and western forms differ slightly in coloration and have been regarded as separate species. There is a skirt-shaped curtain of skin between its nostrils. Its tail is fairly thick and terminates in a short leaf-shaped caudal fin; a relatively large dorsal fin is present just in front of the stinging spine.
Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Myliobatiformes
- Family
- Urolophidae
- Genus
- Urolophus