Stingrays are notorious animals known for their deadly sting and flat bodies. They are mostly found in tropical and subtropical waters, with some of the largest species found in U.S. waters.
1. Sandyback Stingaree
The smallest of these rays, only 35 inches long, is still remarkable. These rays often migrate into tropical zones in the U.S. However, their sluggish behavior and round discs make them less common in coastal surveys.
2. Southern Stingray
This remarkable stingray can be found in the Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Some have been recorded to grow up to five feet (1.5 m) in disc width, but the average size is slightly smaller. Their tails are always much longer than their bodies and are used as a defensive mechanism.
3. Roughtail Stingray
A 400-pound roughtail stingray measuring over six feet long and five feet wide was recently spotted in Long Island Sound. These stingrays are quite rare in this area and are more commonly found on the Atlantic coast from New England to Florida. They aren’t spotted often either, as they avoid areas that are filled with humans.
4. Whitespotted Eagle Ray
These rays aren’t usually found in the U.S., but they do migrate into Southern waters, where they can make for a great sighting. They can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) in disc width and 440 lbs, and thanks to their habit of breaching the surface, you might even spot one now and then.
5. Spiny Butterfly Ray
These beautiful rays can be found in Atlantic waters from Massachusetts to Argentina and usually grow to be around 3-5 feet long. There have been a few cases where these rays were reported to grow up to 13 feet. They are also listed as endangered, which means that conservation efforts for the creatures are crucial for their survival.
6. Smalleye Stingray
These whiptail rays often venture into the tropical waters of the U.S. during warmer seasons. They can reach up to 10 feet in total length and have a 7.2-foot disc width. Conservation efforts are uncertain at this stage as there is limited data on the population of this species.
7. Ornate Eagle Ray
Although these stingrays are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific, they move into U.S. waters during the warmer seasons. They can grow to be pretty large, up to 13 feet in length and 7.8 feet in disc width. They are endangered, and conservation efforts are at an all-time high for these magnificent creatures.
8. Sixgill Stingray
These rays don’t have a notable presence in U.S. waters like most of their counterparts, but a few encounters have been noted. They are most commonly spotted in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans and can grow up to 5.5 feet long. These rays have six gills and a hosepipe mouth, which is quite different from other species.
9. Deepwater Stingray
There has been some speculation that these rays can dwell in U.S. waters. They mostly live in tropical and subtropical oceans. These marvelous creatures can grow to be up to 8.9 feet in length and are remarkable sightings.
10. Short-tailed Stingray
While these rays can technically be found in South America, they deserve an honorable mention in this post as they are incredibly large. These creatures can grow up to 20 feet in length and mainly be found in freshwater environments, although some species have been found to thrive in salt water.
Conservation Challenges for Stingrays
Many stingrays face environmental challenges due to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. While they may not be targeted directly, these rays can often be caught in commercial fishing nets. Others struggle with prey distribution due to warming waters.
The Role of Stingrays in the Ecosystem
Stingrays act as keystone predators, regulating crustacean and mollusk populations. Their burrowing behavior also aerates sediment, improving marine biodiversity.
