Marbled Stingray

Conspicuous bright blue blotches and branching lines on a golden brown disc; snout and disc angular, and tail less than twice body length with a short upper caudal finfold, and a longer lower one falling far in front of tail tip; disc without thorns; usually one sting (Ref. 5578). Underside white, tail darker and without bands (Ref. 5578).

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). With 1 to 4 in a litter (Ref. 12951). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0

Feeds on fish, benthic and planktonic organisms (Ref. 5578).

Close inshore, found on sandy beaches and in shallow bays (Ref. 5578), sometimes near rocky reefs (Ref. 12951). Found in deeper offshore areas during the winter season (Ref. 12951). Feeds on crabs, mantis shrimps, amphipods, worms, and fishes (Ref. 12951). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 4438. Disc width measures 30 cm. Its thorny, venomous hooks can cause painful injuries (Ref. 5377).

fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes

Dasyatis marmorata, the marbled stingray, is a species of stingray of the family Dasyatidae. Its geographic range covers the central and south-eastern Atlantic, from Morocco to South Africa. It is also present in the coastal waters of southern Mediterranean Sea and the Levantine Basin. This bottom-dweller generally inhabits sandy or muddy flats near rocky reefs and kelp forests, to a depth of 50 m (164 ft).