Kashi Mad
Classification
Max Size
Myliobatiformes
Distribution
Indian Ocean and Indo-West Pacific
Distinctive Characters
A large stingray with a thick, oval disc that is equal to or very slightly narrower than long. Snout short, and obtusely angular or broadly rounded, with a small, protruding apical lobe at tip. Anterior margins of disc convex. Pectoral fin apices broadly rounded. Pelvic fins very short. Eyes small and protuding. Snout length approximately 1.5-2x combined eye and spiracle length. Mouth wide with 3-5 short oral papillae. Lower jaw somewhat concave at symphysis. Labial furrows pronounced. Small, skirt-shaped nasal curtain with a long fringe on the posterior margin. Nostrils long and thin. Disc densely covered in flattened plate-like denticles and large scattered thorns that are more concentrated near midline and dorsally on tail. Tail slender and short; length approximately equal to disc width. Tail tapers to caudal sting then slowly thins to tip. Caudal finfolds and stings absent.
Color
Dorsum brownish, yellowish, pinkish grey, or black. Thorns often paler. Ventrum white, sometimes with a dusky margin. Tail beyond caudal sting black
Habitat & Biology
Coastal; lives on soft bottoms near coral reef habitats, tropical seas. In shallow sandy bays, coral reefs, sandy lagoons, mud flats, and mangroves. Intertiday to approximately 30m.
Remarks
The porcupine ray feeds mostly on marine worms, crabs, and bivalves. Feeds by ‘plowing’ through the substrate in search of buried prey species