Cowtail Stingray

Cowtail Stingray

Pastinachus sephen

Near Threatened
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DESCRIPTION

The Cowtail Stingray (Pastinachus sephen) is a large ray characterized by its thick, rhombic disc and a distinctive flag-like ventral fold on its whip-shaped tail. It has a blunt snout, small eyes, and a mouth with 20 rows of hexagonal teeth. Primarily dark brown or grey dorsally and white ventrally, this species possesses a venomous tail spine. Found in the Indo-Pacific, it inhabits sandy bottoms, coral reefs, coastal waters, estuaries, and even freshwater rivers, feeding on a variety of benthic invertebrates and bony fishes.

Max Length 3 m
Max Weight 250 kg
Lifespan Up to 25 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 60 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Mixed behavour

Destinations to spot Cowtail Stingray

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Cowtail Stingray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Cowtail Stingray

Where can you see the Cowtail Stingray?

The Cowtail Stingray can be seen at 9 dive destinations in Maldives, Egypt, and Indonesia. The best spots include Abu Dabbab (Egypt), Ari Atoll (Maldives), Baa Atoll (Maldives), Gili Islands (Indonesia), and North Male Atoll (Maldives).

What is the best time to see the Cowtail Stingray?

The Cowtail Stingray can be seen all year round at South Malé Atoll.

Where can you see the Cowtail Stingray in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Cowtail Stingray at Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, North Male Atoll, South Ari Atoll, South Malé Atoll, and Vaavu Atoll.

Where can you see the Cowtail Stingray in Egypt?

In Egypt, you can see the Cowtail Stingray at Abu Dabbab and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Where can you see the Cowtail Stingray in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, you can see the Cowtail Stingray at Gili Islands.

How big does the Cowtail Stingray get?

The Cowtail Stingray can reach up to 3 m in length and 250 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Cowtail Stingray live in?

The Cowtail Stingray is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Cowtail Stingray live?

The Cowtail Stingray lives from the surface down to 60 m.

What does the Cowtail Stingray eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Cowtail Stingray most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Cowtail Stingray live?

The Cowtail Stingray lives up to 25 years.

What is the conservation status of the Cowtail Stingray?

The Cowtail Stingray is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Cowtail Stingray. Spotted something that looks off?

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