Pelagic stingray
The pelagic stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) is a unique species of stingray that inhabits the surface waters of deep tropical and temperate oceans, distinguishing it from many other stingrays that dwell in shallow coastal areas. Characterized by its striking violet or plum-colored body, it can measure up to 31.5 inches (80 cm) across and 63 inches (160 cm) long, including its slender, whip-like tail, which bears a venomous spine used for defense against predators. As a carnivorous creature, the pelagic stingray primarily hunts small fish and crustaceans, but it also consumes crabs, octopuses, and other marine organisms.
Pelagic stingrays belong to the class Chondrichthyes, meaning their skeletal structure is made of cartilage rather than bones. They reproduce through ovoviviparity, where the eggs hatch inside the female's body, and she gives birth to live young, typically up to 14 at a time. The lifespan of pelagic stingrays can reach up to 24 years, and despite their predatory role in the marine ecosystem, they are not currently classified as a threatened species. Understanding the biology and behavior of pelagic stingrays enhances the appreciation for the diverse and intricate life forms that inhabit our oceans.
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Pelagic stingray
Unlike many other species of stingrays which live on the bottom in shallow saltwater, the pelagic stingray swims near the surface over deep ocean waters. Its violet or plum-colored body may be 31 1/2 inches (80 centimeters) across and 63 inches (160 centimeters) long, including its tail.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Myliobatiformes
Family: Dasyatidae
Genus: Pteroplatytrygon
Species: Violacea
Many of the over 200 species of stingrays live in shallow coastal waters and on the bottom, but the pelagic stingray lives farther offshore and near the surface of deep tropical and temperate oceans and seas. In this habitat it hunts by itself for small fish and crustaceans to eat. The pelagic stingray is a carnivore, or meat-eater, that also eats crabs, octopuses, sea horses, and worms.
The flattened head and body of the pelagic stingray is around 31 1/2 (80 centimeters) across. From the front edge of its disc-like body to the tip of its tail it is around 63 inches (160 centimeters) long. The front edge of the disc is broad and crescent-shaped, while the outer corners of the disc have blunt points. Numerous small spines run along the middle of the violet or plum-colored disc. Its tail is slender and whip-like and has a spine which may be several inches (centimeters) long and which contains stinging poison. This poison deters predators and people from coming too close or handling the stingray. Injuries from a stingray may result in death.
Like the other stingrays, the pelagic stingray belongs to a class of fish known as cartilaginous fish. Its body does not have bones but has cartilage instead. Cartilage is the firm, flexible tissue which is in people's noses and ears.
Another common feature which the pelagic species shares with other stingrays is that it is ovoviviparous. This means that the female's eggs hatch while they are still inside her body and that the young are then born live. While they are inside their mother, the young feed on their egg yolk sacs and then from blood vessels inside the womb. This process may take two to four months and occurs at different times of year depending on the stingray's range. A female may have up to 14 young at a time.
Sharks, sea turtles, tuna, and toothed whales may prey on pelagic stingrays. The life span of pelagic stingrays is up to 24 years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Bester, Cathleen, et al. “Pteroplatytrygon Violacea – Discover Fishes.” Florida Museum, 28 Dec. 2023, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/pteroplatytrygon-violacea. Accessed 6 May 2024.
“Pelagic Stingray.” Monterey Bay Aquarium, www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/pelagic-stingray. Accessed 6 May 2024.