Yellow stingray
The yellow stingray, scientifically known as Urobatis jamaicensis, is a small, flat-bodied species commonly found in the shallow waters of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, particularly near sandy beaches and coral reefs between Florida and Trinidad and Tobago. This species is notable for its distinctive yellow coloration adorned with brown or greenish-pink spots and wavy markings. Generally, the yellow stingray does not exceed a width of one foot (30 centimeters) and can reach lengths of up to 26 inches (65 centimeters), with a tail that is nearly as long as its body.
As a cartilaginous fish, the yellow stingray possesses a flexible body structure, and it has a spine with venomous sacs that can inflict painful injuries when threatened. It employs unique hunting strategies, such as burying itself in sand and ambushing small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The reproductive process is ovoviviparous, meaning the young develop inside the mother and are born fully formed. Yellow stingrays typically have a life span of 15 to 25 years and are not currently considered a threatened species, although they do face challenges from habitat loss.
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Yellow stingray
This small, yellow, flat-bodied stingray is a familiar inhabitant of shallow waters near sandy beaches and coral reefs. It is the most common ray within its geographic range, which includes the tropical western Atlantic Ocean.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Myliobatiformes
Family: Urotrygonidae
Genus: Urobatis
Species: Jamaicensis
Because its body has cartilage instead of bones in its body, the yellow stingray is a member of the order of cartilaginous fish. This cartilage is flexible but firm tissue like that which humans have in their ears and noses. The yellow stingray is one of the smaller species in the stingray family and also among the 630 species or skates and rays.
This species is very common along the beaches and reefs between Florida and Trinidad and Tobago. Rarely is its body over one foot (30 centimeters) wide, although some may reach widths of 14 inches (35 centimeters) and lengths of 26 inches (65 centimeters) to the tip of their tails. The flat, round body of the stingray is yellow with brown or greenish-pink spots and wavy markings. A row of short spines runs along the middle of the back, the rest of which is smooth. The weight of the stingray is uncertain, but it is likely not more than a few pounds (a couple kilograms).
The tail is thick and is almost as long as the body. A sharp spine extends from a point near the tip. Inside the spine are sacs of venom, or poison. When danger threatens the stingray, it whips its tail at the predator or person and stabs with its spine. The spine itself cuts and slashes and causes serious wounds, while the poison stings painfully and makes the injury worse. Swimmers and divers may accidentally step on the stingray, which they cannot see since it hides underneath a thin layer of sand on the bottom. Injuries from a stingray may lead to death in certain situations.
One of the feeding techniques of the yellow stingray is to bury itself under a thin layer of sand or mud. It leaves only its eyes uncovered so that it can see its prey approaching. Sometimes it may suddenly pounce on nearby prey. At other times it lifts the front edge of its body to form a dark space beneath its body. Small creatures which are looking for shelter or a place to hide may then swim underneath the stingray and right into its mouth. Among the stingray's prey are small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Some prey may also be seized in the water.
After the stingrays mate in the spring, up to 12 eggs each year hatch within the female's body. While still in their mother's womb, the young feed on their egg sacs and then from blood vessels. This nourishes them so that they are able to leave her body and be independent. Each young stingray is fully developed although still small. This entire method of reproduction in which the babies hatch while still inside their mother is called ovoviviparous reproduction. Males and females reach the age of sexual maturity when their widths reach a certain size. The life span of yellow stingrays is between 15 and 25 years. The yellow stingray is not a threatened species, although it does face threats from continued habitat loss.
Bibliography
Blais, Chelle, and Baylie Fadool. “Yellow Stingray.” Save Our Seas Foundation, saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/species/yellow-stingray. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Piercy, Andrew. “Urobatis Jamaicensis – Discover Fishes.” Florida Museum, 1 Jan. 2024, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/urobatis-jamaicensis. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.