Lahjjehi Madi
Classification
Max Size
Myliobatiformes
Distribution
The Mangrove Whipray is widely but patchily distributed across the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia
Distinctive Characters
A large whipray with an oval disc that is notably longer than wide and very thick centrally. Snout short, and obtusely angular with a weakly protruding apical lobe. Anterior margins of disc straight or mildly concave. Pectoral fin apices broadly rounded. Pelvic fins very short. Eyes small and protruding. Snout length approximately 1.5-2x combined eye and spiracle length. Mouth small with 2-7 oral papillae. Lower jaw somewhat arched. Labial furrows pronounced. Small, skirt-shaped nasal curtain with a fine fringe on the posterior margin. Dorsum rough, but without enlarged thorns. Sparse denticles on mid-shoulders. Tail broad based then slender beyond sting;
Color
Dorsum brownish, yellowish, pinkish grey, or black with small scattered white flecks. Tail white beyond sting. Ventrum white in jveniles. Adults may have dark blotches on ventrum.
Habitat & Biology
Tropical seas. The mangrove whipray occurs in a wide range of inshore habitats including mangroves, estuaries, sand flats, coral reefs, and rocky substrates, from the intertidal zone to 85m.
Remarks
The mangrove whipray feeds mostly on crustaceans; crabs and prawns. Matrotrophic viviparity. Litter size unknown. Fairly difficult to approach, will bolt if approached closely.
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