Cowtail Stingray

Pastinachus sephen

Habitat & Distribution :  Mangroves and reefs of the Indo-West Pacific 

Diet : Crustaceans, molluscs, fish 

Size : Up to 183 cm 

Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Description

The cowtail stingray is a large, distinctively shaped stingray, best recognized by its thick body and a long tail with a very deep, flag-like fin fold. 

Behavior

In areas with poor visibility or high turbidity, cowtail rays exhibit a unique, cooperative behavior of assembling in small groups and arranging themselves in a "rosette" position, with their bodies facing inward and tails pointing outward. This allows them to monitor for threats with their tail mechanoreceptors. 

Reproduction

These rays reproduce via aplacental viviparity, with females giving birth to a litter of two. 

Communication & Perception

Cowtail rays produce short, sharp, loud clicks that are audible underwater. These sounds are believed to act as a warning to predators or to warn other rays of potential danger. 

Predator(s)

Sharks, bottlenose dolphins 

Conservation Status : Hampir Terancam (IUCN Red List; 2017)