---
title: Whiptail stingray (Dasyatidae)
scientific_name: Dasyatidae
common_name: Whiptail stingray
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:24:28.239Z
tags: Whiptail stingray, Dasyatidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray
---

# Whiptail stingray (*Dasyatidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Dasyatidae
- **Body shape:** Flattened - Pressed flat top-to-bottom, lies on the bottom - rays, flounders, crocodilefishes.
- **Species listed here:** 10

## How to recognise this group

- flattened disc-shaped body
- long, whip-like tail much longer than body
- tail without dorsal or caudal fins

Whiptail stingrays (Dasyatidae) are characterized by flattened, typically oval to diamond-shaped pectoral fin discs and long, whip-like tails that lack dorsal and caudal fins. Their eyes are positioned dorsally, while the mouth and gill slits are ventral. Most species carry one or more serrated, venomous stingers near the tail base for defense. Disc widths within the family range from 20 cm (8 in) to over 2 metres (6.6 ft). The name Dasyatidae derives from the Greek for 'rough ray', referencing the often denticle-covered skin of many members.

These bottom-dwelling rays inhabit sandy and silty substrates, reef flats, and lagoon areas, often resting partially buried with only their eyes visible. They are found from shallow intertidal zones down reef slopes to depths exceeding 100 metres (330 feet). They feed on crustaceans, molluscs, and small benthic fish, located by scent and electroreception while foraging on the seafloor. Divers commonly encounter them slowly swimming low over the bottom, propelled by undulating pectoral fins, or settled on open sand.


## Species (10)

- [Blackblotched Stingray (Taeniurops meyeni)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/blackblotched-stingray)
- [Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray (Taeniura lymma)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/bluespotted-ribbontail-ray)
- [Broad Stingray (Bathytoshia lata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/broad-stingray)
- [Fantail Stingray (Pastinachus sephen)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/fantail-stingray)
- [Leopard Whipray (Himantura leoparda)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/leopard-whipray)
- [Mangrove Whipray (Urogymnus granulatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/mangrove-whipray)
- [Pink Whipray (Pateobatis fai)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/pink-whipray)
- [Porcupine Ray (Urogymnus asperrimus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/porcupine-ray)
- [Reticulate Whipray (Himantura uarnak)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/reticulate-whipray)
- [Scaly Whipray (Brevitrygon walga)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray/scaly-whipray)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/rays/whiptail-stingray)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*