LONGTAIL STINGRAY

Photograph copyright Andy Murch

View all available Longtail Stingray Images in the Shark Pictures Database

Common Names: Longtail stingray  

Latin Name: Dasyatis longus

Family: Dasyatididae

Identification: Rhomboid disc. Disc margins almost straight. Disc grayish brown to reddish brown. Tail about twice body length. Dorsal finfold absent but with low dorsal keel. Ventral finfold low and long, from base of spine to around half way along tail. Tubercles on shoulders. Eyes small. Ventrum pale. 

Size: Disc width to more than one meter.

Habitat: Sand or rubble adjacent to coral or rocky reefs.

Abundance and distribution: Sea of Cortez to Galapagos.

Behavior: Rests in sand during the day. 

Reproduction: Ovoviviparous.

Observations: I witnessed many longtail stingrays cruising between reefs at Cabo Pulmo during the middle of the day. They did not appear to be feeding at this time.

Photographs: Isla Iguana, Panama.

Similar species: Diamond stingray – Dasyatis dipterura.

Reaction to divers: Skittish. Moves away when approached. 

Diving logistics: This species can be encountered around the reefs of Cabo Pulmo especially at Los Morros where it often aggregates with Diamond stingrays. Sightings may be seasonal and these photographs were taken in October. Pepe Dive Centre in Cabo Pulmo can arrange transportation to the reefs and a dive master which is required in the marine park.

Other diving locations submitted by readers:

References and further reading:

Reef Sharks and Rays of the World. Scott W. Michael. Sea Challengers.

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