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Global Animal Guide

Stingray: Key Facts

Stingray gliding over a sandy seabed with its broad flat body and long tail

Quick answer

Stingrays (Myliobatoidei) are fishs found across multiple regions. The flat-bodied ray with a venomous tail. Adults typically weigh roughly 30 kg (66 lb), reach speeds of Glides; fast burst when alarmed, and live 15–25 years by species. They feed on carnivore (mollusks, crustaceans, fish) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers across tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

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Key takeaway

Stingrays (Myliobatoidei) are fishs found across multiple regions. The flat-bodied ray with a venomous tail. Adults typically weigh roughly 30 kg (66 lb), reach speeds of Glides; fast burst when alarmed, and live 15–25 years by species. They feed on carnivore (mollusks, crustaceans, fish) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers across tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

Stingray overview

Stingray (Myliobatoidei) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 30 kg; lifespan around 15–25 years by species.

Stingray ecology

Diet: Carnivore (mollusks, crustaceans, fish). Habitat: Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Stingrays and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild stingrays are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Stingray profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Stingrays inhabit Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers across tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Their preferred habitat includes coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across multiple regions.

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult stingrays typically measure about 1.5 m in length and weigh roughly 30 kg (66 lb). They can sprint at Glides; fast burst when alarmed when hunting or escaping predators. Stingrays are known for the flat-bodied ray with a venomous tail — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Stingray FAQs

What are key facts about stingrays?

Stingrays (Myliobatoidei) are fishs found across multiple regions. The flat-bodied ray with a venomous tail. Adults typically weigh roughly 30 kg (66 lb), reach speeds of Glides; fast burst when alarmed, and live 15–25 years by species. They feed on carnivore (mollusks, crustaceans, fish) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers across tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

What is the scientific name of the stingray?

Myliobatoidei — used in research and conservation listings for stingrays.

What do stingrays eat?

Stingrays eat mollusks, crustaceans and fish, with seasonal and regional variation in Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers.

Where do stingrays live?

They are associated with Coastal seas, reefs, and some rivers. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of stingrays?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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