American Round Stingrays [Urotrygon]

Description

Urotrygon is a genus of stingrays in the family Urotrygonidae, commonly referred to as the American round stingrays. These rays inhabit the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of California to northern South America. They are characterized by their nearly circular disc shape, which distinguishes them from other ray species that tend to have a more diamond or kite-shaped appearance. Members of this genus are benthic creatures, spending most of their time on the ocean floor. They possess venomous spine on their tails, which they use for defense against predators. The diet of these stingrays primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Species

Taxonomy