Yellow Stingray - Urobatis jamaicensis
Background: We saw the yellow stingray at Big Sponge (2) this week. The yellow stingray is a batoid in the order Myliobatiformes (stingrays) and family Urotrygonidae (American round stingrays) found most commonly around tropical marine reef habitats up to about 25 meters deep. They can grow up to about 76cm in length, and are often found nestled within or along sandy sediment.
Coloration: The body shape of a yellow stingray is mostly round with no sharp edges. Similar to all stingrays, they lack a dorsal fin and have a fairly well-developed caudal fin with a double-serrated spine. Their body is usually dark yellow with dark spots or blotches on the surface and tail, and the ventral surface can range in color anywhere from yellow or green to brown or white.
Feeding: Their most common prey include fishes, shrimp, worms, clams, and other small invertebrates. As a feeding mechanism, yellow stingrays are known to lift the front end of their disc to attract smaller prey seeking shelter. Their coloration also helps them camouflage within the sand to ambush passing prey. They have a venomous spine which can be used to inflict venom as a line of defense.
Reproduction: Like all stingrays, the yellow stingray is viviparous which means it gives birth to live young; a typical litter will have three or four pups. They become sexually mature at around three years of age and their life expectancy is about eight years.
Conservation: This species is not usually a targeted fishing species, but most commonly ends up getting caught as by-catch from larger fishing vessels. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss and prey reduction, although they are currently listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Sources:
https://www.fishbase.de/summary/2581
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/urobatis-jamaicensis/
Lexy Gabos
05/28/2021
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