Roughtail stingray

Roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia centroura) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of 3–270 m.

Scientific name: Bathytoshia centroura · Water: Saltwater, Brackish

Size: up to 300 cm

About

The roughtail stingray is a demersal dasyatid found over sandy and muddy bottoms in coastal waters, from 3 to 270 m. It is ovoviviparous and feeds on bottom-living invertebrates and fishes, and it is harmful to shellfish banks. Its range is the western Atlantic, where it is antitropical: from the western and southern United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, and from Brazil to Argentina; eastern Atlantic populations refer to Bathytoshia lata. Maximum length is about 300 cm total length, commonly about 125 cm disc width, and it matures at about 117 cm. Its wings are marketed fresh, smoked and dried-salted and are used for fishmeal and oil. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish, with a low price category. Fishing vulnerability is very high at 81 of 100 and resilience very low, and climate vulnerability is moderate at 39 of 100. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.

Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.

Ecology and habitat

Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Depth
3–270 m
Distribution status
Native
Trophic level
3.8

Fishery and market

Game fish
Yes
Market price
Low
Resilience
Very low

Methods

Sources

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