Wide, flat body; Back olive-green to brownish; white underneath; Snout bluntly pointed. Pectoral fins angular. Well developed ventral fold on tail, usually brown to black in color. Sharp defensive spine on long whip-like tail
Average Maximum Size:
91.5 cm ( 36 in) wingspan
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Southern Stingray can be distinguished from the Atlantic Stingray by its relatively less pointed snout and diamond rather than circular body shape. The Southern Stingray possesses a distinct pale spot between its eyes and a ventral (bottom side) skin flap on its tail. The Smooth Butterfly Ray differs from the Southern Stingray in its relatively shorter and wider body and lack of a defensive tail barb.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Southern Stingrays bear a similar appearance to the adults and exhibit the distinct diamond body shape, moderately pointed snout, and ventral tail skin flap of mature specimens. Juvenile Atlantic Stingrays and Smooth Butterfly Rays are also similar in appearance to the adults of their species and lack the noted distinguishing features of the juvenile and adult Southern Stingrays.
Range:
Western Atlantic New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil
Habitat:
Oceanic beaches, bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Generally found near shore on grass and sand/mud flats
