Leopard
whipray
Himantura undulata
Family Dasyatidae
updated
Nov 13
Where
seen? This
spotted stingray is sometimes seen at Chek Jawa.
Features:
A large ray that can grow to about 1.4m in diameter and
4m in total length. Body generally quadrangular with a broadly triangular
snout in adults, more pointed in juveniles. Body colour of adults
yellowish or brownish with dense pattern of dark rings (resembling
a leopard's spots) on the body and tail. Juveniles are grey-brown
with large black spots. In adults, the upper body is granular. Tail
very long and slender, with alternative black and white bands after
the sting. It does not have a skin fold on the tail. The female has
a shorter tail with a bulbous end. It has 4-6 enlarged spear-like
spines on the tail which can cause a painful wound by injecting a
venom.
Human uses: It is sometimes taken
in trawl catches.
Status and threats: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
due to overharvesting, and loss of its preferred shallow water inshore
habitats near mangroves. |
Tail very long and slender.
A large dead one seen on the sand bar.
Chek Jawa, May 03
|