Common name(s)

Smalltooth Stingray.

Binomial

Hypanus rudis

Synonyms

Dasyatis rudis, Dasybatus rudis, Trygon rudis.

Identification

A very large stingray with a kite-shaped disc that is slightly wider than long; disc width approximately 1.1-1.2 x length. Snout short, obtusely angular, with a barely visible protruding tip. Anterior margins of disc almost straight to weakly undulate. Pectoral fin apexes angular. Pelvic fins small with tightly rounded apexes.
Eyes relatively large and protruding. Snout length around 3x combined eye and spiracle length.
Mouth contains 3 oral papillae centrally and often with smaller papillae on each side. Deep labial furrows around mouth. Mouth weakly arched. Lower jaw mildly convex. Skirt shaped nasal curtain with a strongly fringed margin.
A continuous row of small thornlets extend along midline from nape to base of tail. Short row of thornlets on each shoulder. Tail long, tapering gently to caudal sting, then filamentous to tip. Tail length (when intact) approximately 1.7 x disc width. Ventral finfold long and low; depth slightly exceeding tail height. Dorsal finfold very small; reduced to an indistinct ridge. One tail sting usually present.

Colour

Dorsum greyish-brown to greenish-grey, often with a pale patch below eyes. Ventrum white. Tail white ventrally to caudal sting, then white laterally to end of ventral finfold, then black to tip. Ventral fin fold dark.

Size

Maximum disc width 198cm. Total length around 330cm. Disc width at birth 33-39cm.