Aetobatus flagellum (Bloch & Schneider 1801)

This species is characterized by the following: dorsal without spots or rings; long rostral lobe (longest in adult males) and narrowly pointed; disc very broad and short, its length 55-70% WD; pectoral fins weakly falcate and joining head at eye level, separate from rostral lobe; posterior margins moderately concave, rear tips free and broadly rounded; spiracles large, dorsolateral and visible in dorsal view; mouth ventral, its width narrower than preoral length; nasal curtain large, deeply notched centrally and with a curtain-like fringe; teeth plate-like in a single row, the upper teeth transverse, lower chevron-shaped; disc entirely smooth, no denticles or thorns; tail elongate, whip-like, ca. 1.2-2.8 times WD when undamaged; dorsal-fin small and raked back, apex broadly rounded, free rear tip short with origin behind pelvic-fin insertions; caudal stings 1 or 2, longest greater than preoral length. Colour uniform brownish or greenish brown, mostly white ventrally, pectoral tips and posterior margins of disc mostly pale brownish (Ref. 114953).

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449).

Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).

Inhabits inshore waters (Ref. 9862). Probably feeds on hard-shelled and bottom-dwelling invertebrates (Ref. 114953). Often found in brackish waters (Ref. 4832). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught occasionally by bottom trawl and inshore demersal gillnet fisheries off Jakarta. Utilized for its meat, but of limited value due to its rarity and small size (Ref.58048).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family