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20 Most Frequently asked Questions about Southern Stingrays at Blackbeard’s Cay
• How can you tell the difference between male and female Stingrays?
The two small fins at the base of the tail are called the pelvic fins and are modified into cigar shaped organs called claspers on the male rays. The female rays have the broad pelvic fins with no elongations.
• How long is the Southern Stingray Pregnant?
The mother has a gestation period of 4-5 months and may have 2 litters a year.
• What are holes behind the Stingray eyes?
The spiracles are modifies gills slits that allow the Stingrays to pump water across its gills when it is lying buried in the sand.
• Do Stingrays have teeth?
Stingray have dermal plates in their mouths that are designed for crushing prey items and are not used for cutting or tearing.
• Where is the Stingrays “stinger”?
The Southern Stingray has a serrated barb midway down the tail that it uses as a defensive mechanism against predators.
• Can the barb hurt me?
The barb is bathed in a poison to dissuade predators. Stingrays only use its barb when attacked or harassed. We de-barb our Stingrays on a regular basis, it is a pain free procedure for them, much like a clipping a fingernail. The Stingrays do not need their barb in our facility as there are no predators to harm them.
• Will the Stingray grow back another barb?
Yes the barb is replaced continuously as they are needed. In the wild when a barb is lost in the course of protecting itself, it will be replaced by another one.
• Where are Stingray found in the wild?
The Southern Stingrays are typically found in shallow sandy areas and around patch reefs. The most common ray in the Bahamas, they range as far North as the Carolinas and South to Brazil.
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• Do Stingray gather together in the wild?
Juveniles and sub-adults are usually solitary while adults often gather together in small groups.
• Why are some Stingray light and some dark?
Stingrays have a different skin pigments like humans and can even develop a tan.
• What do Stingray eat at Blackbeard’s Cay?
We feed our Stingrays a balanced diet of fish, squid, and conch, to closely mirror what they would eat in the wild.
• Will the Stingrays eat any of the other animals in the exhibit?
The type and size animals that we have selected to live with our Stingrays are not normal prey items for them.
• Can we help to feed the Stingrays?
With the assistance of your guide you can offer food at the specified feeding times.
• Why do the Stingrays bury in the sand?
Stingrays bury themselves in the sand to camouflage themselves from predators while they are resting.
• How can I avoid stepping on a buried Stingray?
We suggest using the “Stingray Shuffle” whenever you enter sandy areas where you know Stingrays frequent and you are not able to see the bottom clearly. The “Stingray Shuffle” is accomplished by sliding your feet over the bottom in small movements as opposed to stepping forward.
• What is the difference between a Stingray and a Skate?
Stingrays as the name implies have a barb as a defense mechanism against predators; the skates have no such mechanism.
• Are Stingrays and Shark related?
Yes, both are members of a larger group of fish called Elasmobranches. All the members have cartilaginous skeletons as opposed to the bone skeletons that we have.
• Do Stingrays have the same senses as Sharks?
Yes, Stingrays enjoy the 5 senses we do plus the additional ability to detect electric fields. They use this sense to assist in locating buried prey items.
• How are the baby Stingrays born?
Southern Stingrays give birth to live young that are miniature replicas of their parents and have no parental care.
• Will the rays be fed regardless of whether or not they interact with the guests?
The health of our Stingrays is of top priority to the park staff and Stingray Adventures. The rays get a predetermined amount of food whether or not they participate with the guests. The staff often do these feedings in between guest interactions.
Stingrays -
Stingray Adventures -
20 Most Frequently asked Questions -
Marine Conservation
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P: 242-322-8446