STINGRAYS
You will get the chance to pet, interact with, and even hand feed adorable stingrays at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. We also involve our rays in our animal enrichment program! Did you know stingrays like to play?!
Our Rays
Cownose Stingray
Rhinoptera bonasus
Lifespan: 16-18 years
Maximum Size: debated, 84 inch disc radius
Diet: Bivalve Mollusks, Bony Fish, Crustaceans
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Fun Fact: Much like our cousins, sharks, our skeleton is made up of cartilage!
Southern Stingray
Dasyatis americana
Lifespan: currently unknown
Maximum Size: debated, 6.5 ft disc width, 200-500 lbs
Diet: Bivalve Mollusks, Worms, Crustaceans, Bony Fish
Conservation Status: Data deficient
Fun Fact: I have holes behind my eyes called spiracles, they allow me to breathe while I lay on the sandy bottom.
Atlantic Stingray
Dasyatis sabina
Lifespan: 9 years
Maximum Size: 12-15 inch disc width, 5 pounds
Diet: Bivalves, Tube Anemones, Amphipods, Crustaceans, Clams, and Nereid Worms.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Fun Fact: Even though I have a venomous spine on top of my tail, I am not aggressive and will only use it to defend myself from predators or being stepped on! Always be sure to stingray shuffle at the beach!
