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Stingrays: Smooth Butterfly Ray

SMOOTH BUTTERFLY RAY
Gymnura micrura

Identification
Disc broad, much wider than long (‘butterfly shaped’).  Coloration brownish, gray or green with many small dark spots/blotches dorsally and white ventrally.  Snout protruding.  Tail short with low dorsal and ventral fin folds and three to four dark crossbars.  No venomous spine on tail.

Habitat
Prefers coastal waters and usually found on soft mud or sandy substrates. May enter estuaries or bays.

Feeding
Benthic feeder.  Feeds on bottom-living invertebrates and fishes.

Reproduction
Aplacental viviparity. Three to four pups per litter.

Size/Age
Wingspan up to 4.5 feet.

Human Factors
Non-aggressive species of no danger to humans.