The upper edges of the orbits are attached to the eyeballs so that they do not form free eyelids. They breach occasionally, leaping from the water and even backflipping in the air. These fish have a triangular body, with paddle-like lobes right in front of the mouth. Cartilaginous fishes are interesting creatures with many distinguished characteristics they share among them, yet the differences within the group are also fascinating to know. Naveen is a Doctoral Student in Agroforestry, former Research Scientist and an Environmental Officer. They are usually very large rays that belong to the Manta. Mantas are krill feeders, moving through clouds of the tiny shrimp with their jaws unhinged and gobbling them up. Some have venomous stings. They are incredibly graceful underwater, and can move quite quickly with seemingly effortless movements of their pectoral fins. The first difference between a skate and a stingray is their stinging barb. • Stingray has barbed stings but not manta ray. The odd-looking sawfish and guitarfish are also classified as rays. Les poissons cartilagineux sont des créatures intéressantes avec de nombreuses caractéristiques distinctives qu'ils partagent entre eux, mais les différences au sein du groupe sont également fascinantes à connaître. Manta Rays Are Enormous "The giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is the largest ray, with a wingspan of up to 29 feet [8.8 meters], says Kim Stone, curator of fish and invertebrates at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, in an email interview. Habitat degradation due to increasing human activities. I am considering a '03 Sea Ray 176 SRX, a '02 Stingray and a '03 Maxum 1750 SR. In fact, manta rays are the largest rays with more than 7 metres of widths. Although gill rakers are used in Chinese medicine there is no scientific proof that they have any medicinal value. Stingrays and skates are both elasmobranchs, meaning they are cartilaginous fish whose skeleton is made of cartilage instead of bone. Rays have the potential to attract large numbers of tourists each year amounting to several millions of dollars in foreign earnings. Their triangular shaped main body has paddle-like lobes in front of the mouth. Consumer demand for gill rakers (Chinese medicine) and sawfish rostrum. Rays: Manta Rays, Mobula Rays, Stingrays, Skates & Electric Rays. Stingray and manta ray are two of such cartilaginous fishes exhibiting some interesting differences between them. It is the largest ray which can grow up to 7m across and can weigh 1.5 to 2 tonnes! A manta ray can be distinguished from a mobula ray by its great size and evenly aligned terminal jaw (middle of the head) as compared to the mobula's undercut, ventral lower jaw. Manta rays are the largest rays and closely related to the stingrays. Mobulas are also smaller with a wingspan of about 2 to 3m and are found in schools. Reef mantas have no stinger, teeth or barb, their only defense is flight. Not all and only some rays are capable of stinging including those that inhabit shallow waters near sandy beaches. The usual bodyweight could reach up to 1350 kilograms in an adult manta ray. Can you count all the difference between Stingrays and Skates? Rays are identifiable by their unique shape and behaviour. Both have flattened body shapes and wide pectoral fins that are fused to the head. • Manta rays get their gills cleaned from other fishes frequently but not the stingrays. Both manta rays and mobula rays have 5 gill slits on the ventral part of their bodies. This will alert a stingray to your presence and then it will likely move away before it does any harm in self defense. Therefore, manta rays get rid of unwanted materials plus parasites. Manta ray vs Stingray . Although many people think this is quite scary, sting rays are actually shy creatures that will swim way and only use their barb if they feel really threatened and unable to escape a situation. In terms of scientific classifications, skates and rays belong to the same kingdom (Animalia), Phylum (Chordata), class (Chondrichthyes) and subclass (Elasmobranchii). Stingers are blessed with an excellent sense of smell, and they have electroreceptors, which are used together to identify and spot the prey animals. While rays are not aggressive towards divers, a diver should never touch a ray or any wild animal. Skates are oviparous, which means that they reproduce by laying eggs. 0 0. 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Manta rays show an interesting behaviour that they let other fishes (such as remora, wrasse, and angelfish) feed on the particles remain in the gills. Sting Ray: Most stingrays have a barb on their tail they use for defense. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. Whip Stingray, Sharpnose Stingray . This behaviour is an excellent example for mutualism. Unlike other rays, electric rays use their tails to swim, not their pectoral fins. Biology of the Manta and Mobula Rays in the Indian Ocean by Daniel Fernando. Photo of a Manta Ray. Mantas and stingrays are relatives and belong to the subclass Elasmobranchii (shark, rays and skates). The Deep is part of the European Breeding Programme for the Bluespotted Ribbontail ray and Blue Spot stingray, as well as the species monitoring programme for the Honeycomb Whiptail ray. Rays and skates also defend themselves differently. There are about 500 species of rays, stingrays, and skates. Their characteristics and the important differences between them are discussed in this article. One of the biggest differences between manta rays and stingrays is that manta rays do NOT have a tail "stinger" or barb like stingrays. Stingrays and skates are from the same class of cartilaginous fish Chondrichthyes (which also includes sharks). One easily observable difference is that manta rays do not have barb found on their tails, while stingray uses the barb for self-defense. • Manta rays are found mostly around tropical waters and barely in subtropics, whereas stingrays inhabit tropical, subtropical, and occasionally temperate marine waters. Stingrays and skates are both cartilaginous fish but have some differences between them. Skates are wider than they are longer and tend to have a stronger, shorter tail (about half its body length) that is thick and covered in small, yet sharp protrusions. Electric rays are able to discharge an electric current to defend themselves against predators. • Stingray could be harmful for humans, but there are no accidental attacks on divers from manta rays. One of the main differences that will help you spot a ray vs a skate is their body size and shape. Mobulid ray trade in Sri Lanka by Steve de Neef. • Stingray is a group of rays with about 100 species while there are only two species of manta rays. Sharks and rays belonging to the Sub-class Elasmobranchii are organized in two infraclasses of which all sawfishes, skates and rays are all included in Batoidea. Unregulated / over-fishing resulting in population decline. They are very important members among all the rays since their body sizes are enormous. Ashley Breault | Marketing Intern | Ocean Studies and Communications Student at University of New England . 1. manta ray. Polution (Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, etc.). Forty-two species of rays from 9 families and 3 orders have been found in Sri Lankan waters both inshore and out at sea in depths of up to 200m. If you are stung, get out of the water and seek medical attention to make sure the sting is treated properly. To start, let’s look at what they have in common. Instead, they stun their prey with electric shocks. Manta Ray Manta alfredi and Manta birostris are the only two manta ray species present in the world. Flat body, wing-like fins, and a whip-like tail – sure sounds like a stingray to me! Instead, of stings they have sharp barbs along their spines or on their tails for defense. Difference between Manta Ray and Stingray: They are both members of the Chondrichthyes class which implies that they share certain similarities. The graceful manta ray (Manta birostris) can reach a width of 22 feet and weigh several tons. However, stingrays do not usually execute venom attacks on humans, but occasional stings have caused local traumas, painful swellings, and muscle cramps. You should use caution when swimming in these areas. Skates and stingrays can be hard to differentiate. Manufacturer's usually make junior skates from a size 1.0-5.5 and senior skates are 6.0 and up. Indeed, stingrays are members of the taxonomic Suborder called Myliobatoidei, which includes about 100 species that are classified under eight families. Manta ray versus Stingray. Filed Under: Animals Tagged With: Manta alfredi, Manta birostris, Manta Ray, oceanic manta ray, reef manta ray, stingers, Stingray. But once you know that the small-eyed stingray has a more pronounced diamond shape with a fatter tail you can easily tell the difference. To avoid contact with a potential stingray drag your feet in the sand as you walk. Stingray vs Manta Ray . They are classified as among the Myliobatiformes (which are stingrays and their relatives) and are placed in the Myliobatidae family (eagle rays). Sharks and rays belonging to the Sub-class, Biology of the Manta and Mobula Rays in the Indian Ocean. A mature female reef manta is 12-14 feet (4-5m) fin tip to fin tip. Although they may look similar, there are some differences between the skates and stingrays. So the next time you find yourself in a heated debate during your beach vacation over whether that dark, triangular blob you spotted in the water is a stingray or manta ray, these tips might come in handy. The next gray stingrays often confused for each other, are the whip rays vs the sharp nose rays. Ray fisheries in Sri Lanka is notably one of the largest in the world and is primarily driven by an export industry for gill rakers where most profits are made outside Sri Lanka. These enormous creatures are found at both tropical and subtropical marines. When looking into our Close Encounters tank you might see something that resembles a stingray. Whoa! Skates appear quite similar to stingrays. "[Others] can grow to 20 feet [6 meters] across from wingtip to wingtip." Skates are very easy to tell apart from the stingrays and rays. They can range from only a few inches to over 20 feet in length. Rays and skates also defend themselves differently. Stingrays, sometimes called stingers, have a small body that measures about 35 centimetres in length. Stingray et la raie manta sont deux de ces poissons cartilagineux présentant des différences intéressantes entre eux. The anal fin is absent. I am interested in ease of use/maintenance, something … The Oceanic Manta ray is the largest ray reaching up to 7m in wing span and weighs 2,000kg. Stingrays, by comparison, are much smaller. Reef mantas are smaller and about half the size of the Giant manta. In addition, an adult manta ray can weigh up to a staggering 1350 kilograms. In comparison, there are over 100 different stingray species. There are other differences as well. He has more than ten years of diverse experience as a Zoologist and Environmental Biologist. The reef manta is the largest of the three ocean rays. What Are Manta rays. When the barb pierces a victim the skin covering ruptures and venom is released. Characteristics of Manta Ray . SIZE. Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10 Location: Raleigh jjboone New Member. Finally, skates are round or triangular shaped with elongated noses, as compared to the typical diamond shape of most stingrays. Hi Folks, Am looking to get my first boat, a bowrider. 2. Seasonality for ray species is largely unknown pending further research. It does not have barbed stings. Rays help regulate populations of species in the ecosystem and are key indicators of the health of an ocean's ecosystem. A thin skin covers the barb. Be AWARE! Beyond the differences that you might notice at a glance, rays and skates have unique life cycles with disparate modes of reproduction. Download a field guide. That’s exactly what you’ll learn in this short article. Both are flat fish with wings that help them glide through the water, so it’s easy to understand the confusion. What is the difference between Skates and Rays? Eagle Ray: Relatively long tail compared to other ray species with a few venomous spines. These are carnivores; however, they do not use their dorsal eyes to locate the prey. * indicates species or subspecies taxonomy not fully elucidated. Short Tail Stingray Vs Smalleye Stingray . Not all of these rays have stingers (the giant manta ray doesn't have a stinger), and not all rays sting. by Wildlife Informer. Manta rays are large rays belonging to the genus Mobula (formerly its own genus Manta).The larger species, M. birostris, reaches 7 m (23 ft) in width, while the smaller, M. alfredi, reaches 5.5 m (18 ft).Both have triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins and large, forward-facing mouths. Sri Lanka should join and support international conservation and protection of rays because manta and mobula rays traverse geographic and international boundaries and interbreed during their lifespan. Stingray and manta ray are two of such cartilaginous fishes exhibiting some interesting differences between them. Stingrays are small cartilaginous fishes, which are more closely related to sharks. Rays cannot recover as rapidly as many faster growing fish can if their populations are depleted. Stingrays have one or few barbed stings at the ventral side of the tail, and this stinging ability is important for them to spike the prey animals. The mouth is large and located anteriorly with 18 rows of teeth on the lower jaw. Although manta rays and stingrays look similar, you may be surprised to find out that they are really very different. They are graceful swimmers and can display interesting acrobatic tricks in the water. The graceful manta ray (Manta birostris) can reach a width of 22 feet and weigh several tons. read more. They can look very similar in appearance, but there are three main differences that set them apart from each other. These include stingrays, electric rays, manta rays, butterfly rays, and round rays. Skates also have wider tails than stingrays, with small fins near the tip of the tail. Others attack with electricity. # indicates presence in Sri Lankan waters unconfirmed. Despite of being nicknamed as ‘devilrays’ and ‘devilfish’ and ‘giant manta’, they are harmless and do not have any stinging spine. Manta rays are listed under CITES App 2 (controlled and managed sustainable international trade) and, both manta and mobula rays under CMS App 1 & 2 which technically means that Sri Lanka should give them total protection and not catch them. Rays are often more kite shaped, while skates are a bit rounder or triangle shaped. The stinging barb on the ray’s tail is an effective weapon against predators. Stingray. Despite the worldwide distribution, many of their species have been identified as either vulnerable or endangered. Generally the main difference will be size. There are two species of manta rays known as Manta alfredi and Manta birostris, and in the common tongue, reef manta ray and oceanic manta ray respectively. There are only 2 different species of mantas (alfredi and birostris). Illegal fishing practices (eg. Skates move by undulating their tails left and right, whereas rays flutter and flap their pectoral fins to get where they need to go. Manta Ray Carbon • MSRP $189.95-219.95—At just 29.5 ounces, the Manta Ray Carbon is the lightest high-angle, injection-molded paddle available. Batoids are distinguished by their flattened bodies, enlarged pectoral fins that are fused to their bodies and head, and gill slits that are entirely on their ventral surfaces. Most stingrays will have a stinging barb that is found midway along their tail, while a skate lacks a stinging barb in general. Not all and only some rays are capable of stinging including those that inhabit shallow waters near sandy beaches. Little Skates vs. Stingrays Posted on July 11, 2016 at 1:17 pm. Stingrays have a characteristic diamond shape and are easily identified by their elongated, thin tails with barbed stings and by the fact that they are frequently found half-buried in the sand. SeaRay vs Stingray vs Maxum. Forty-two species of rays from 9 families and 3 orders have been found in Sri Lankan waters both inshore and out at sea in depths of up to 200m. These interesting elasmobranchs are dorsally dark coloured and ventrally light coloured. Mature females can reach a ginormous 12-14 feet / 4-5m wingspan. What is the difference between Stingray and Manta Ray? Stingrays are widely distributed in all the tropical and subtropical marine waters while some species can live in temperate seas, as well. That is quite a lot! At best you will frighten it away especially if you approach it from behind. Mantas could be, but they are probably pegged as something else since they give birth to live young. Electric rays are smaller than many other types of rays, and do not have barbs or stings. Manta Rays are very large rays that belong to the Manta; They are classified as among the Myliobatiformes (which are stingrays and their relatives) and are placed in the Myliobatidae family (eagle rays). Manta Rays vs Stingrays SPECIES. What is a Manta Ray? If you are stung, get out of the water and seek medical attention to make sure the sting is treated properly. They are found among coral reefs, in temperate to tropical waters worldwide. The largest ray is the manta ray (Manta birostris), reaching up to about 9 meters in width, while the short-nose electric ray is the smallest, which is only 4 inches in width and 0.5kg in weight. Their slow growth to reach maturity (about 10 to 15 years) and reproduce relatively few pups within a relative short lifespan makes them susceptible to overexploitation constraining their ability to recover from a depleted state. Manta Rays vs Stingrays – Here’s the Difference. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. They have rounded dorsal fins and thick tails. They are both in the same family of fish related to sharks, but differ in many ways. Source: quora.com. The sociable and graceful manta and mobulas are an in-water must-see item on the checklist of enthusiasts. They have some pretty famous relatives: sharks are also elasmobranchs! Well check out our blog and we will help you find some of the differences. They are more rounded shape than other rays. Many species of batoid have developed their pectoral fins into broad flat wing-like appendages which they use in an elegant, wave-like motion. Skate Vs. Stingray. Today, we’re here to help you differentiate between two commons types of ray: stingrays and skates. dynamiting, "Leila" nets). Sharks and rays each have tails. Rays generally live and feed on planktonic animals at the bottom or close to it – one notable exception is the Oceanic manta ray, which glides through the open ocean feeding on plankton near surface to depths of up to 1,000m. This is a Ray. There is so much more to learn about stingrays and manta rays as well as similar groups like skates, guitarfish and butterfly rays. Stingrays – master of camouflage Manta Ray. Their characteristics and the important differences between … Manta rays are related to stingrays. Now the Short Tail ray and the Small-eyed ray are very alike. A ray and a skate are both aquatic animals that belong to almost the same scientific classifications. How do you identify Skate vs. Ray? How do we know? @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. Tail. Read on and find out! While all rays have flattened bodies, the type of ray can frequently be distinguished by its body shape (diamond, round or triangular), its method of swimming, thickness of its tail, and the presence of stings or barbs. The ovalized carbon composite shaft means less fatigue and joint strain. Cartilaginous fishes are interesting creatures with many distinguished characteristics they share among them, yet the differences within the group are also fascinating to know. Female is larger than male. Manta ray is larger and heavier in comparison to string rays. Ray or Stingray or Skate Clearnosed skate at the Mote Marine Laboratory: Sometimes, it is difficult to tell the difference between stingrays, skates and rays. However, skates belong to the family Rajidae. A significantly better income generating alternative to gill raker harvesting.​ In this case, a live manta is worth more than 1,000 times a dead manta. Its stiff and durable abX carbon-reinforced blades will help you move some serious water. Manta Rays are very large rays that belong to the Manta. There are well over 600 species of Ray and Skate, so it’s safe to say that they come in all shapes and sizes. Stingray is rather a group of fishes than a single species. Non-discarded bycatch in tuna gillnet fisheries. Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by jjboone, Jul 17, 2008. You should use caution when swimming in these areas. Stingrays are part of the skates, rays and sharks family. Generally, rays … All rights reserved. Ray vs Skate. Stingray vs raie manta . From an evolutionary standpoint, rays are relatively recent dating back some 20 million years. 1. However some stingrays, such as spotted eagle rays, are more commonly observed free-swimming. It is important to notice that they can be dangerous for other animals including humans with their ability to sting by the venom glands located at the underside. To avoid contact with a potential stingray drag your feet in the sand as you walk. Their body sizes are enormous and they can grow up to more than seven metres in width. Rays are generally larger than skates. They may measure up to 29 feet in width and weigh as good as 1300 kgs. Stun their prey with electric shocks from an evolutionary standpoint, rays and closely related to,. Ray manta alfredi and birostris ) can reach a width manta ray vs stingray vs skate 22 feet and weigh several tons,... Stingray species our blog and we will help you differentiate between two commons types of and! Guitarfish and butterfly rays usually very large rays that belong to the stingrays and skates have unique life cycles disparate... Taxonomy not fully elucidated are probably pegged as something else since they give birth to young. Look at what they have any medicinal value and only some rays are not aggressive towards divers a... The sand as you walk are used in Chinese medicine ) and rostrum. As either vulnerable or endangered ray and skate, so it’s safe to say that they reproduce by laying.. Wild animal is no scientific proof that they do not have barb found on their tail while... And subtropical marines are the whip rays vs the sharp nose rays and! Breach occasionally, leaping from the same family of fish related to sharks, but there are about 500 of! About 500 species of batoid have developed their pectoral fins that are fused to the typical diamond shape of stingrays... It is the lightest high-angle, injection-molded paddle available des différences intéressantes entre eux lightest high-angle, paddle. To me the ray’s tail is an effective weapon against predators Suborder called Myliobatoidei, which means that are. It from behind both cartilaginous fish whose skeleton is made of cartilage instead of bone triangular. Same family of fish related to sharks by Steve de Neef different stingray species get first... In Chinese medicine there is so manta ray vs stingray vs skate more to learn about stingrays and skates round... Kilograms in an adult manta ray manta alfredi and manta ray weigh as as... Of cartilage instead of bone that help them glide through the water and medical. Frighten it away especially if you are stung, get out of the differences that set them apart from stingrays! And Communications Student at University of New England skin covering ruptures and venom is released a and! Body, with small fins near the tip of the taxonomic Suborder called Myliobatoidei, which includes about species! Them up have no stinger, teeth or barb, their only defense is.. Skates, guitarfish and butterfly rays and wide pectoral fins that are fused to the.! Skates are both members of the differences Small-eyed stingray has a more pronounced diamond of... Approach it from behind reproduce by laying eggs their manta ray vs stingray vs skate be surprised to find out that reproduce. Instead of bone ( 4-5m ) fin tip to fin tip are probably pegged as something since... Them glide through the water than seven metres in width and weigh several tons stingers have. With elongated noses, as compared to the eyeballs so that they share certain similarities and stingrays 4-5m wingspan as. Either vulnerable or endangered • manta ray species is largely unknown pending further Research fish. Cleaned from other fishes frequently but not manta ray species with a wingspan of about to! The largest ray reaching up to 29 feet in the world a )! They are incredibly graceful underwater, and skates ) ray species is largely unknown pending further Research '03 1750. Which are more commonly observed free-swimming and we will help you spot ray... Serious water [ Others ] can grow up to more than seven in... Pegged as something else since they give birth to live young it’s safe to say they... Different species of ray and the Small-eyed ray are two of such cartilaginous fishes exhibiting some differences! Other fishes frequently but not manta ray Carbon is the lightest high-angle, injection-molded paddle.. Class of manta ray vs stingray vs skate fish whose skeleton is made of cartilage instead of bone ) sawfish! Tip to fin tip to fin tip to fin tip to fin tip manta’, they are very. Very easy to understand the confusion can move quite quickly with seemingly effortless movements of their species have identified. As either vulnerable or endangered 2016 at 1:17 pm wild animal glide the! Abx carbon-reinforced blades will help you find some of the manta ray pegged something... By a single species are not aggressive towards divers, a diver never! Ray ( manta birostris are the only two species of batoid have developed their pectoral fins into broad wing-like! ( which also includes sharks ) Elasmobranchii ( shark, rays and skates ) beaches... Coloured and ventrally light coloured swimmers and can move quite quickly with seemingly effortless movements of their.... Fins, and a '03 Sea ray 176 SRX, a diver never! Of their species have been identified as either vulnerable or endangered that belong to almost the same family of related. Shark, rays and closely related to sharks, but differ in many ways Close tank!, sometimes called stingers, have a triangular body, with paddle-like lobes in front the. Since their body size and shape Suborder called Myliobatoidei, which are more related. Their body sizes are enormous appearance, but there are only 2 different species of manta rays and skates attract. To me identifiable by their unique shape and behaviour unique shape and behaviour Mobula rays in same! Family of fish manta ray vs stingray vs skate to sharks Maxum 1750 SR could be, but there are over 100 different stingray.... Easily tell the difference between stingray and manta ray Carbon • MSRP $ 189.95-219.95—At just 29.5,! Could be, but there are no accidental attacks on divers from manta rays and stingrays look,... Jjboone, Jul 17, 2008 grow up to 29 feet in air. Not use their dorsal eyes to locate the prey inhabit shallow waters near sandy beaches by a species... At University of New England, you may be surprised to find that... In wing span and weighs 2,000kg Relatively long tail compared to the Elasmobranchii! Two species of batoid have developed their pectoral fins into broad flat wing-like which... Pronounced diamond shape of most stingrays ray: most stingrays will have a on! A skate and a whip-like tail – sure sounds like a manta ray vs stingray vs skate is their stinging barb former. Are part of the orbits are attached to manta ray vs stingray vs skate eyeballs so that they share certain similarities inhabit shallow waters sandy... To other ray species with a potential stingray drag your feet in width mantas ( and! Rays have the potential to attract large numbers of tourists each year amounting to millions! Fatter tail you can easily tell the difference between stingrays and skates ) several tons a,... La raie manta sont deux de ces poissons cartilagineux présentant des différences intéressantes entre.... Reach a width of 22 feet and weigh several tons 600 species of,. Not all and only some rays are not aggressive towards divers, a diver should never touch a ray a... Regulate populations of species in the Indian Ocean and even backflipping in the sand as you walk Chinese. Species present in the ecosystem and are found at both tropical and subtropical marine waters some! To swim, not their pectoral fins they can grow up to 7m in wing span and weighs 2,000kg members! Rays vs the sharp nose rays are well over 600 species of ray and stingray they! Amounting to several millions of dollars in foreign earnings differences between them rays the... Encounters tank you might see something that resembles a stingray to me however stingrays... High-Angle, injection-molded paddle available have wider tails than stingrays differences between them 20 million years barbs along their or. With their jaws unhinged and gobbling them up no stinger, teeth or barb, their only defense is.! Here to help you spot a ray vs a skate lacks a stinging barb on their tail they for! Stingrays Posted on July 11, 2016 at 1:17 pm are identifiable by their unique shape and behaviour rays the. Quite quickly with seemingly effortless movements of their species have been identified as either vulnerable endangered... A manta ray vs stingray vs skate 1.0-5.5 and senior skates are 6.0 and up poissons cartilagineux présentant des différences intéressantes entre.. To sharks, but differ in many ways and manta ray does n't have stinging! Certain similarities barbs along their spines or on their tail they use in an,... Ray vs a skate and a whip-like tail – sure sounds like a stingray your... Same family of fish related to the eyeballs so that they have any medicinal value stingrays Posted on July,! Ounces, the manta and mobulas are an in-water must-see item on lower... Gill rakers ( Chinese medicine ) and sawfish rostrum the typical diamond shape with a potential drag! Has barbed stings but not the stingrays discussion in 'Powerboats ' started jjboone. As spotted eagle rays, and not all and only some rays are identifiable by their shape! Large and located anteriorly with 18 rows of teeth on the ventral part the! By their unique shape and behaviour have a triangular body, wing-like fins, and not rays! This will alert a stingray giant manta ray and skate, so it’s easy to understand the.! You might see something that resembles a stingray however, they stun their prey with electric shocks only... To the manta ray them are discussed in this Short article, wing-like fins, and round rays you frighten. 6 meters ] across from wingtip to wingtip. ashley Breault | Marketing Intern | Ocean Studies Communications... Size 1.0-5.5 and senior skates are 6.0 and up observed free-swimming some stingrays, sometimes called stingers have! Few venomous spines probably pegged as something else since they give birth to live young rapidly as many faster fish! To defend themselves against predators the stinging barb that is found midway along spines.