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Round stingray

Urobatis halleri

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Fun Facts

These rays can scoop out holes in the sand or mud using their fins and snout, uncovering prey to eat.  

Species Type:

Sharks & Rays

Common Name(s):

Round stingray

Size:

These rays can grow to 22 inches long (55.9 centimeters) but are usually closer to 8 to 10 inches (20–25 centimeters) long.

Diet:

These rays eat bottom-dwelling crustaceans, along with some worms and small fishes.

Range & Habitat:

The round stingray can be found in sandy and muddy bottoms off beaches and in bays, inlets and channels from Humboldt Bay, California, south to Panama.

Details:

True to its name, round stingrays look like circles or pancakes from above. The venomous spine on their tail is used for protection against predators, but it is generally not dangerous to humans unless provoked. The round stingray is known for its ability to bury itself in the sand to camouflage and wait for prey to swim by. These rays primarily feed on small invertebrates and fish that they uncover while burrowing.