Cownose Stingray
Rhinoptera bonasus
Size: to 3 ft across
Habitat: Coastal
Notes:
Unlike the other fishes on this page, this is a free-swimming ray, often found near shore in large schools. They generally arrive en masse late in the season and are otherwise uncommon.
These rays fly through the upper waters on flapping pectoral fins, sometimes even leaping out of the water, although they feed on mollusks near the bottom. They are a favorite food of sharks.
Bullnose Rays are similar, but with protruding rounded snouts. Southern Spotted Eagle Rays are closely related. All retain the stinger of their bottom-dwelling cousins.
Skates and rays are related to sharks. Unlike flounders, these fish are flattened and lie on their bellies. Skates are harmless. Stingrays have one or more dangerous barbed stingers in the tail and will use them if molested. Finally, the Torpedo is an electric fish and can generate enough voltage to be dangerous. Some skates give birth to live young, while others lay their eggs encased in a horned Mermaid's Purse.
More: Skates & Rays ...
