Atlantic Stingray
Hypanus sabinus
The Atlantic Stingray is a small native ray found in Florida bays, estuaries, coastal flats, and even freshwater rivers.
The Atlantic Stingray is a small native ray found in Florida bays, estuaries, coastal flats, and even freshwater rivers.
A small brown or olive ray with a rounded diamond-shaped disc, pointed snout, pale underside, and long whip-like tail bearing a defensive spine.
Rests partly buried in sand and glides along the bottom while searching for prey. It tolerates fresher water better than most rays.
Shuffle your feet when wading so rays move away. For a sting, leave deeply embedded material in place, seek medical care, and use safely hot water to reduce pain while help is arranged.
Fishing and harvest rules vary by species, gear, and location. Review current FWC saltwater and freshwater regulations before taking or possessing rays.
Habitat:
Estuaries and Bays, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
North Florida, Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Keys, Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast
Diet:
Worms, small crustaceans, clams, insect larvae, and other bottom-dwelling animals.
Behavior:
Rests partly buried in sand and glides along the bottom while searching for prey. It tolerates fresher water better than most rays.
Daytime, Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Clear shallow water over sand or seagrass
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Use Caution
Safety Information:
Shuffle your feet when wading so rays move away. For a sting, leave deeply embedded material in place, seek medical care, and use safely hot water to reduce pain while help is arranged.
Benefits to Property:
Disturbs and aerates bottom sediments while feeding and contributes to coastal and river food webs.
Property Concerns:
People sometimes step on buried rays in shallow water, leading to painful defensive stings.
Fun Fact:
It is one of the few stingrays regularly found in freshwater in North America.
Wildlife Laws:
Fishing and harvest rules vary by species, gear, and location. Review current FWC saltwater and freshwater regulations before taking or possessing rays.
Identification:
A small brown or olive ray with a rounded diamond-shaped disc, pointed snout, pale underside, and long whip-like tail bearing a defensive spine.