Sting Rays

Sting Rays
Stingrays are the largest of the venomous fish, there are approximately 37 species of stingrays. Many are found in the waters off Australia. They are shy animals however will use the barb on their tail for defense.

Giant Manta (Manta Birostris)
MOBULIDAE FAMILY
White body with flattened back. Can easily be distinguished from other sting rays by the large cephalic fins at the sides of its mouth. These fish can reach a width of up to 5 or 6 Meters. It feeds on plankton, and whilst feeding will fly gracefully backwards and forwards over the area.

Blue Spotted Ribbontail Stingray (Taeniura lymma)
DASYATIDAE FAMILY
This ray has a disc shaped body and is characterized by its yellow to brown back with bright blue spots. Its tail has poisonous spines and is typical in the sandy areas surrounding coral regions. It also likes to rest under Acropora umbrellas (plate coral). It feeds on crustaceans, can grow up to 2.4 meters long, this includes the tail.