Yellow Margin Stingray

Hemitrygon akajei

Habitat & Distribution :  Muddy flats, sandy bottoms, coral reef, depths 10 - 50 m, North-west Pacific Ocean 

Diet : Crustaceans, small bony fish, annelid worms, molluscs

Size : 1 - 2 m

Lifespan: Around 10 years

Description

This stingray looks diamond-shaped and gets its name from the bright orange-red underside of its body. 

Behavior

They can be found living in shallow, sandy seawater near the coast and are sometimes found entering brackish waters. Preying on crustaceans and small fish, these rays are apex predators in shallow waters and play a vital role in controlling ecosystem populations. 

Reproduction

The male will follow the female and bite her pectoral fin during courtship. This species of ray reproduces via aplacental viviparity with lipid histotrophy, where embryos are nourished by yolk and uterine milk. The litter size ranges from 1 to 10 pups.

Predator(s)

Sharks, sea lions, barracudas