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Cartilaginous fish with a skeleton of cartilage that inhabits bays and sheltered lagoons at the bottom of estuaries
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name: Pastinachus sephen
Common Name: Cowtail Stingray
Dimensions: Reaches at least 300 cm total length and about 180 cm in disc width
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0204
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The Cowtail Stingray has a diamond-shaped body, slightly wider than it is long. The front edges curve outward, and the corners are rounded. The head and central part of its body are thick, with a short and pointed snout, small eyes, and a narrow mouth. The body has rough areas and circular bumps. The tail is long, about twice the width of the body, starting wide at the base and ending with a venomous spine in the front part. The tail narrows and has a wide fold underneath. It's mostly grey-brown, with a dark grey to black tail. The respiratory openings, called spiracles, have a border of dark yellowish-brown.
Habitat and Biology
The Cowtail Stingray inhabits estuaries, bays, and calm lagoons with sandy or muddy bottoms at depths upto 60 metres. It is frequently observed partially buried in the sand or mud. Its diet primarily consists of fish and various bottom-dwelling invertebrates. At birth, it measures approximately 18 cm in size.
ECO System Qatar
Sea Grass: Seagrass grows on the seabed, creating underwater meadows that play a crucial role in supporting Gulf ecosystems. These habitats offer shelter to young shrimp, oysters, and various species, serving as a vital food source for many marine creatures. The roots of seagrasses contribute to stabilizing the sandy seabed, protecting it from erosion. Given the high salt levels and extreme temperature variations in the Arabian Gulf, only a few seagrass species can thrive. In Qatar, seagrasses are essential for stabilizing the seabed against wave action and other erosional forces.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Freyhof, Jörg & Els, Johannes & Feulner, Gary & Hamidan, Nashat & Krupp, Friedhelm. (2020). Freshwater Fishes of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Gallery 2