Stingrays

Stingrays populate the waters of Key West in abundance. The subdued attitude and unique form make them one of the most intriguing marine life species to observe. This beckons tourists to don their snorkeling gear or hop aboard one of the area’s fishing charter boats to get up close and personal with these sea marvels.

Stingray Body Basics

Stingrays are closely related to sharks and skates in that they are all categorized as elasmobranchs, indicating that their entire skeletal structure is made up of cartilage. Elasmobranchs also possess five to seven gill slits. Unlike the shark, whose gill slits are situated on its side, the stingray’s gill slits are found on the underside of its flat, diamond-shaped body. Stingrays are one of the eight subspecies of rays. The stingray’s physique is composed of two rounded wing-like structures connected to the head and torso, with a long tail extending up to 14 inches behind. A stingray can grow to a length of over six feet and weigh in up to 790 pounds.

The barbs of most stingrays are venomous, and the toxin can be fatal to humans if the barb penetrates a vital organ. However, such scenarios are extremely rare. Stingrays are not aggressive in nature, and they only sting in self-defense. They are usually placid, allowing snorkelers to swim within their waters. If a human encroaches too close for comfort, the stingray merely glides out of the way. Most stingrays gracefully swim by rippling their body and wings.

Stingrays Hunting and Feeding

The flat form of the stingray enables it to lie inconspicuously on the seafloor as it awaits passing prey. Stingrays also lurk along the coral reefs, where food supplies are abundant. The stingray’s eyes protrude from the top of the head, but serve only to keep the stingray’s immediate surroundings within view.

Another commonality shared by sharks and rays is the presence of ampullae of Lorenzini, sensory organs that are responsible for detecting the electrical charges of nearby prey. Stingrays primarily rely on these receptors and a keen sense of smell when hunting.

The stingray’s mouth is located on its underside, along with its nostrils and gill slits. Some stingrays feed solely by sucking their meal, while the jaws of other stingrays are equipped with teeth and strong muscles that are capable of crushing open clams and other mollusks that make up much of the stingray’s carnivorous diet. Stingrays also feed on crustaceans and occasionally dine on small fish.

Where to Find Stingrays

Stingrays are abundant in the shallow coastal waters of tropical and subtropical climates. The bottom dwellers spend much of their time partially submerged in sand. The color of the stingray’s skin provides the perfect camouflage for blending in with the seafloor, concealing its presence from preying sharks and other predators. Stingrays do not attack human waders. The most common human injury inflicted by a stingray’s barb occurs when the unsuspecting creature is accidently trod upon. To avoid such circumstance, walk in a shuffling fashion when wading into these waters.

Key West is brimming with stingrays, offering snorkelers plenty of opportunity to observe the graceful creatures in their wild habitat. Fishermen also seek out stingrays for their epicurean contributions to the dinner table. There are numerous recipes for the wing-like flaps of the stingray, from grilled to dried to stewed. Anglers usually catch stingrays with lines or spears. Scheduling a fishing charter boat into the flats and backcountry during the late spring, summer and early fall months will result in a successful excursion in the quest for stingrays.