Do stingrays really have stingers?

Water Animals

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by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Stingrays are a type of sea creature who usually live warmer seas, particularly in shallow places. Have you ever seen one in a picture, an ocean, or an aquarium? Stingrays are flat and disc-shaped, with a long, thin tail at the back.

Just like their name implies, stingrays have sharp stingers at the end of their tails. Stingrays are not known to be aggressive and only use their stingers for self-defense when they feel threatened.

People are usually only stung by a stingray when they accidentally step on one hiding under the sand in shallow water. This usually releases a little bit of poison (venom) into the place that’s been stung. (Often a foot or an ankle.) Although the sting can sometimes be dangerous, it can usually be treated pretty easily!

If you’re ever in water that is likely to have stingrays (certain beaches are known for having more than others), just do the “stingray shuffle”! -- Instead of picking up your feet and walking in the water (which might make you step on a hidden ray!), just shuffle your way along instead!!

All about stingrays!

Aside from their stingers, there are other interesting things about stingrays to learn too!

When a baby stingray is born, it doesn’t come out disc-like and flat. – Instead, it’s all rolled up like a scroll!

Stingrays eat mostly other sea creatures like clams, shrimp, mussels, and oysters! They have special teeth that help them to crush the shells of these critters, since otherwise it wouldn’t be a very tasty meal!

A stingray’s eyes are on the top of its body, but it’s mouth and nostrils are on the bottom side of its body!