| Range: |
As far north as Chesapeake Bay, to Southern Florida and around the Gulf of Mexico |
| Habitat: |
Common in shallow waters off the coast (to depths up to 70 ft.), and often enters fresh water. Has been caught in the Mississippi River (200 miles upstream). Prefers muddy, sandy bottom. Will bury in sand to camouflage. Found alone or in small schools. |
Approx. Dimensions
of Adult: |
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| Reproduction: |
Breeding period is October to March. Live bearers. Litter size is 1 to 4 pups. Gives birth in mid to late summer. Gestation period is 6 months (April through August). |
Dasytidae family (118 species world-wide, including the Southern, Atlantic, and Yellow Stingrays)
Normally inoffensive and flees from swimmers, but will lash vigorously with the tail if stepped on or grabbed. Spines cause painful wounds that can be dangerous because of secondary infections.
Dried spines from this family of rays are used as spear tips by native tribes.
Rays feed on a variety of bottom-dwelling organisms by hydraulically "mining," or jetting water into sand to expose them.
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