Pink Whipray

The pink whipray (Pateobatis fai) is a stingray species within the Dasyatidae family, recognized for its extensive, albeit loosely defined, distribution across the tropical Indo-Pacific from southern Africa to Polynesia. This demersal species typically resides in shallow waters, not exceeding 70 meters in depth, favoring sandy substrates in proximity to coral reefs. Notably, individuals demonstrate significant site fidelity. Morphologically, the pink whipray is characterized by a diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc that is broader than it is long, a broad-angled snout, and an elongated, whip-like tail devoid of fin folds. Its dorsal surface is sparsely adorned with small thorns and exhibits a uniform color ranging from brownish to grayish pink, darkening significantly beyond the tail sting. This ray can attain dimensions up to 1.8 meters in width and exceed 5 meters in length.

Social behavior is prevalent in the pink whipray, with observations of large congregations for both active and resting phases, often in association with other ray species. Its diet primarily consists of prawns, supplemented by various benthic invertebrates and bony fishes. Reproductively, this species is aplacental viviparous, with offspring receiving nourishment through histotroph, or "uterine milk," produced by the mother. The pink whipray is frequently caught incidentally across its range in diverse fishing operations, being valued for its flesh, skin, and cartilage. Additionally, its role in ecotourism is noteworthy, as it can be attracted to bait by visitors. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is categorized as Least Concern due to its broad distribution, encompassing areas with relative protection such as northern 🇦🇺 Australia. However, populations in Southeast Asia are susceptible to decline due to intensive fishing, warranting a classification of Vulnerable in this region.

Anatomically, the pink whipray displays a thick, diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc, with a width approximately 1.1 to 1.2 times its length, marked by angular outer corners and a very obtuse snout. Its small, widely separated eyes are succeeded by larger spiracles, and the nostrils are adorned with a short, broad curtain of skin with a finely fringed posterior. The mouth, while relatively small, is bordered by distinct furrows and features a centrally indented lower jaw. Inside, the floor of the mouth includes two large central papillae and two small lateral ones, with teeth arrayed in pavement-like formations. Beneath the disc, five pairs of gill slits are present, while the pelvic fins are notably small and narrow. The tail of the pink whipray is remarkably elongated, measuring at least twice the length of the disc when intact, and typically bears a single serrated, stinging spine devoid of fin folds. Adults possess small, rounded dermal denticles covering the central dorsal surface, which begin anterior to the eyes and extend to the entire tail; minute, sharp midline thorns are concentrated at the base of the tail. Younger individuals may have smooth skin or a sparse covering of heart-shaped denticles. The coloration is consistently grayish to brownish pink on the dorsal side, transitioning to dark gray or black beyond the tail sting, and uniformly light on the ventral side. The species can grow up to 1.8 meters in width and over 5 meters in length, with a recorded maximum weight of 19 kilograms.

The precise range of the pink whipray remains somewhat ambiguous due to potential confusion with the Jenkins' whipray (H. jenkinsii). It is presumed to be widespread in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, including the entire 🌊 Indian Ocean periphery from 🇿🇦 South Africa to northern 🇦🇺 Australia, with occurrences in the 🌊 Red Sea reported since 2014. Its Pacific range extends north to the 🇵🇭 Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan), and Iriomote, and eastward to islands such as 🇫🇲 Micronesia, the Marquesas Islands (🇵🇫 French Polynesia), and 🇼🇸 Samoa.

Typically encountered at depths reaching 200 meters, the pink whipray predominantly inhabits the intertidal zone to depths of 70 meters. Preferring sandy flats, lagoons, and other soft-bottomed environments near cays and coral reef atolls, it is often found closer to shore during warmer months. Genetic and telemetry studies conducted in Polynesian islands indicate limited inter-island movement and a strong preference for localized habitats among individual rays.

While not overtly threatening to humans, the pink whipray's venomous sting poses handling challenges when entangled in fishing nets, necessitating the removal of the catch before handling.