DOCSLIB.ORG

The Yellow Stingray, Urobatis Jamaicensis (Chondrichthyes: Urotrygonidae): a Synoptic Review

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Yellow Stingray, Urobatis Jamaicensis (Chondrichthyes: Urotrygonidae): a Synoptic Review Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences 1-1-2013 The elY low Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (Chondrichthyes Urotrygonidae): A Synoptic Review Richard E. Spieler Nova Southeastern University, [email protected] Daniel P. Fahy Nova Southeastern University Robin L. Sherman Nova Southeastern University, [email protected] James Sulikowski Nova Southeastern University T. Patrick Quinn Nova Southeastern University Find out more information about Nova Southeastern University and the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles Part of the Marine Biology Commons NSUWorks Citation Richard E. Spieler, Daniel P. Fahy, Robin L. Sherman, James Sulikowski, and T. Patrick Quinn. 2013. The eY llow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (Chondrichthyes Urotrygonidae): A Synoptic Review .Caribbean Journal of Science , (1) : 67 -97. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/228. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Caribbean Journal of Science, Vol. 47, No. 1, 67-97, 2013 Copyright 2013 College of Arts and Sciences University of Puerto Rico, Mayagu¨ ez The Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (Chondrichthyes: Urotrygonidae): a synoptic review Richard E. Spieler1,2,3,*, Daniel P. Fahy1,2, Robin L. Sherman4, James A. Sulikowski5, and T. Patrick Quinn1,6 1Oceanographic Center 2National Coral Reef Institute 3Guy Harvey Research Center Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA 4Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314 USA 5Marine Science Center, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, Maine 04005 USA 6Natural Resources Planning and Management Division, Broward County, 1 North University Drive, Plantation, Florida 33324 USA *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 9542623613 E-mail address: [email protected] ABSTRACT.—The yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (Cuvier) has been the subject of a multitude of diverse studies on its natural history, morphology, and physiology. We have attempted here to briefly review all the studies on U. jamaicensis both published and unpublished with the goal of providing comparative information for researchers working on related species as well as to highlight areas of research requiring further investigation in this one. KEYWORDS.—Anatomy, Ecology, Elasmobranch, Physiology, Reproduction, Stingray Introduction males reached a maximum size of 398 mm TL (with a mean of » 325 mm). There are Urobatis jamaicensis (Cuvier), the yellow multiple publications listing 600 mm and stingray (Nelson et al. 2004) (Fig. 1), was orig- larger TL U. jamaicensis (Bigelow and inally described in 1816 as Trygon jamaicensis. Schroeder 1953; Lieske and Myers 1994; It has also been previously classified as McEachran and Fechhelm 1998; Parsons Trygonobatus torpedinus, Urolophus torpedinus, 2006). However, these appear to be based on Urobatis sloani, Urobatis vermiculatus, and an incorrect deduction of an ambiguous esti- Urolophus jamaicensis (Bigelow and Schroeder mate (“about 500 mm; tail 190 mm”; Fowler 1953); much of the literature refers to the latter 1945) or a misidentification. It would be a synonym. There are several phylogenetic considerably larger U. jamaicensisthanwe hierarchies currently proposed, the most have encountered. commonly accepted is: Class Chondrichthyes, Individual rays differ widely in color and Subclass Elasmobranchii, Order Myliobatiformes, pattern; the dorsal side of the disc typically Family Urotrygonidae; however, further revi- displays a reticulate dark greenish or sion should be expected (Nelson, 2006). brown pattern on a pale background, or a U. jamaicensis is a relatively small ray with close set pattern of minute white, yellow, or an average size of about 335 mm total length golden spots on a dark green or brown (TL) and 160 mm disc width (DW). Typical of background. The ventral side of the disc is elasmobranchs, females grow larger than males. lightly colored, uniformly yellowish or In our studies, with more than 500 animals, brownish-white (Bigelow and Schroeder the maximum size recorded was a female 1953). However, occasionally the ventral 480 mm TL (the mean was »345 mm); while side has the same pattern as the dorsum 67 68 R.E. SPIELER, ET AL. Fig. 1. Urobatis jamaicensis: A. dorsal view of male; B. ventral view of female showing uncommon coloration of ventrum; C. on hardbottom; D. partially buried. either in a patchy distribution or restricted and Chaplin 1993; Hoese and Moore 1998; to the outer margins of the wings (Fig. 1). McEachran and Fechhelm 1998; McEachran The animals are found in shallow water and Carvalho 2002; Piercy et al. 2006b). (maximum reported depth 30 m) through- According to the IUCN Redlist report out most of the Greater Caribbean. They are (Piercy et al. 2006b) distribution is listed patchily distributed throughout their range, for all countries within the northern and but occasionally occur in relatively high southern limits of the species range. How- abundances (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). ever, reports on abundance or even pres- For example, a study off Ft. Lauderdale, ence in many of these regions are typically Florida, tagged 108 individuals in an area of unverified and open to question. Although 2.7 + 0.4 km during 13 months of sampling the presumed range of U. jamaicensis is quite over a 14 month period without any single extensive, available data on distribution indi- recapture of a tagged or tag-site-scarred ani- cates that a complete absence or rare occur- mal (Sulikowski 1996). Presumably, this is rence is associated with several regions. not due to large migratory movements of Thus, a clear distribution pattern remains the animals such as those associated with uncertain. Populations of U. jamaicensis are reproduction in some other elasmobranchs most prevalent in South Florida (including (see Activity Patterns, below). Florida Bay and the Keys), Bahamas (north The geographic range of U. jamaicensis and central islands), Greater Antilles (west has previously been reported to occur of Mona Passage, including the Cayman from North Carolina to Brazil, includ- Islands), and Caribbean Mexico (Campeche, ing the Gulf of Mexico and widespread Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Cozumel) through throughout the Caribbean Sea (Bigelow and Belize. However, north of Jupiter Inlet on the Schroeder 1953; Robins et al. 1986; Bo¨hlke east coast of Florida and in waters of the A REVIEW OF UROBATIS JAMAICENSIS BIOLOGY 69 northern and western Gulf of Mexico begins of low blunt tubercles on the mid- U. jamaicensis is considered a rare tropical dorsum and re-curved thorns along dorsal stray (Robinson 1969; Gilmore et al. 1981; margins of the caudal fin. Larger adults Snelson and Williams 1981; Hoese and have the mid-dorsal tubercles to the orbits Moore 1998; Schmid et al. 1988; REEF 2009). and a lateral band of thorns over each shoul- In the Greater Antilles, reports are lacking for der. The ventrum remains smooth through- east of Mona Island across the Puerto Rican out life (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). Plateau (Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, St. The teeth of U. jamaicensis, apparently John, St. Thomas, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and evolutionarily derived from denticles Anegada). Likewise, records from St. Croix, (Kemp 1999), number about 30 per row on Lesser Antilles (with the possible exception both the upper and lower jaws in about 5 of Grenada, Trinidad, and Tobago) and and 8 rows respectively. All rows are south of Venezuela (Guyane, Suriname, simultaneously functional. In females and Guyana, and Brazil) are either nonexistent or immature males, the teeth are closely questionable (Lowe-McConnell 1962; Dennis arranged and oval in shape with low cusps. et al. 2004, 2005; Menni and Stehmann 2000; In mature males the upper teeth are more Lasso et al. 2004; Nunes et al. 2005; Acevedo loosely spaced with high conical cusps that et al. 2007; Grijalba-Bendeck et al. 2007a, b; are slightly blunt at the end (Bigelow and REEF 2009). Further, there are few studies Schroeder 1953). This sexually dimorphic trait on temporal variation in abundance from is associated with reproductive behaviors and areas where the animals are prevalent. There likely functions to allow the male to maintain has been one report of a dramatic decrease in a grasp on the female during copulation (see sightings of yellow stingrays in the greater below). Sexually dimorphic dentition is a Caribbean area over a 14 year period (from common trait observed among batoids with sightings in 20.5% of dives to 4.7%); however, females exhibiting a smooth, molariform the trend was not consistent across all sur- shape, whereas male dentition consists of veyed regions (Ward-Paige et al. 2010). In sharp, recurved cusps (Bigelow and Schroeder some, U. jamaicensis’ distribution throughout 1953; Feduccia and Slaughter 1974; McCourt the Caribbean basin appears more restrictive and Kerstitch 1980; Taniuchi and Shimizu than previously considered and the patterns 1993; Nordell 1994; Kajiura and Tricas 1996). of biogeography and connectivity of this ani- Male Dasyatis sabina exhibit a seasonal
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Reef Fish Biodiversity in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Megan E
    University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School November 2017 Reef Fish Biodiversity in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Megan E. Hepner University of South Florida, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the Biology Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, and the Other Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons Scholar Commons Citation Hepner, Megan E., "Reef Fish Biodiversity in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary" (2017). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7408 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Reef Fish Biodiversity in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary by Megan E. Hepner A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Resource Assessment College of Marine Science University of South Florida Major Professor: Frank Muller-Karger, Ph.D. Christopher Stallings, Ph.D. Steve Gittings, Ph.D. Date of Approval: October 31st, 2017 Keywords: Species richness, biodiversity, functional diversity, species traits Copyright © 2017, Megan E. Hepner ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am indebted to my major advisor, Dr. Frank Muller-Karger, who provided opportunities for me to strengthen my skills as a researcher on research cruises, dive surveys, and in the laboratory, and as a communicator through oral and presentations at conferences, and for encouraging my participation as a full team member in various meetings of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and other science meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Stingray from South Africa
    Nature Vol. 289 22 January 1981 221 A new stingray from South Africa from Alwyne Wheeler ICHTHYOLOGISTS are accustomed to the regular description of previously un­ recognized species of fishes, which if not a daily event at least happens so frequently as not to cause great comment. Previously undescribed genera are like­ wise not infrequently published, but higher categories are increasingly less common. The discovery of a new stingray, which is so different from all known rays as to require both a new family and a new suborder to accommodate its distinctive characters, is therefore a remarkable event. A recent paper by P.e. Heemstra and M.M. Smith (Ichthyological Bulletin oj the J. L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology 43, I; 1980) describes this most striking ray as Hexatrygon bickelli and discusses its differences from other batoid fishes. Surprisingly, this remarkable fish was not the result of some organized deep-sea fishing programme, but was found lying on the beach at Port Elizabeth. It was fresh but had suffered some loss of skin by sand abrasion on the beach, and the margins of its fins appeared desiccated in places. The way it was discovered leaves a tantalising question as to its normal habitat, but Heemstra and Smith suggest that it may live in moderately deep water of 400-1,000m. This suggestion is Ventral view of Hexatrygon bickelli supported by its general appearance (small eyes, thin black dorsal skin, f1acid an acellular jelly, while the underside is chimaeroids Rhinochimaera and snout) and the chemistry of its liver-oil. richly supplied with well developed Harriota, and there can be little doubt The classification of Hexatrygon ampullae of Lorenzini.
    [Show full text]
  • Coral Reef Monitoring in Kofiau and Boo Islands Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, West Papua. 2009—2011
    August 2012 Indo-Pacific Division Indonesia Report No 6/12 Coral Reef Monitoring in Kofiau and Boo Islands Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, West Papua. 2009—2011 Report Compiled By: Purwanto, Muhajir, Joanne Wilson, Rizya Ardiwijaya, and Sangeeta Mangubhai August 2012 Indo-Pacific Division Indonesia Report No 6/12 Coral Reef Monitoring in Kofiau and Boo Islands Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, West Papua. 2009—2011 Report Compiled By: Purwanto, Muhajir, Joanne Wilson, Rizya Ardiwijaya, and Sangeeta Mangubhai Published by: TheNatureConservancy,Indo-PacificDivision Purwanto:TheNatureConservancy,IndonesiaMarineProgram,Jl.Pengembak2,Sanur,Bali, Indonesia.Email: [email protected] Muhajir: TheNatureConservancy,IndonesiaMarineProgram,Jl.Pengembak2,Sanur,Bali, Indonesia.Email: [email protected] JoanneWilson: TheNatureConservancy,IndonesiaMarineProgram,Jl.Pengembak2,Sanur,Bali, Indonesia. RizyaArdiwijaya:TheNatureConservancy,IndonesiaMarineProgram,Jl.Pengembak2,Sanur, Bali,Indonesia.Email: [email protected] SangeetaMangubhai: TheNatureConservancy,IndonesiaMarineProgram,Jl.Pengembak2, Sanur,Bali,Indonesia.Email: [email protected] Suggested Citation: Purwanto,Muhajir,Wilson,J.,Ardiwijaya,R.,Mangubhai,S.2012.CoralReefMonitoringinKofiau andBooIslandsMarineProtectedArea,RajaAmpat,WestPapua.2009-2011.TheNature Conservancy,Indo-PacificDivision,Indonesia.ReportN,6/12.50pp. © 2012012012201 222 The Nature Conservancy AllRightsReserved.Reproductionforanypurposeisprohibitedwithoutpriorpermission. AllmapsdesignedandcreatedbyMuhajir. CoverPhoto:
    [Show full text]
  • Bibliography Database of Living/Fossil Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii, Holocephali) Papers of the Year 2016
    www.shark-references.com Version 13.01.2017 Bibliography database of living/fossil sharks, rays and chimaeras (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii, Holocephali) Papers of the year 2016 published by Jürgen Pollerspöck, Benediktinerring 34, 94569 Stephansposching, Germany and Nicolas Straube, Munich, Germany ISSN: 2195-6499 copyright by the authors 1 please inform us about missing papers: [email protected] www.shark-references.com Version 13.01.2017 Abstract: This paper contains a collection of 803 citations (no conference abstracts) on topics related to extant and extinct Chondrichthyes (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) as well as a list of Chondrichthyan species and hosted parasites newly described in 2016. The list is the result of regular queries in numerous journals, books and online publications. It provides a complete list of publication citations as well as a database report containing rearranged subsets of the list sorted by the keyword statistics, extant and extinct genera and species descriptions from the years 2000 to 2016, list of descriptions of extinct and extant species from 2016, parasitology, reproduction, distribution, diet, conservation, and taxonomy. The paper is intended to be consulted for information. In addition, we provide information on the geographic and depth distribution of newly described species, i.e. the type specimens from the year 1990- 2016 in a hot spot analysis. Please note that the content of this paper has been compiled to the best of our abilities based on current knowledge and practice, however,
    [Show full text]
  • Sharks in Crisis: a Call to Action for the Mediterranean
    REPORT 2019 SHARKS IN CRISIS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN WWF Sharks in the Mediterranean 2019 | 1 fp SECTION 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Written and edited by WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative / Evan Jeffries (www.swim2birds.co.uk), based on data contained in: Bartolí, A., Polti, S., Niedermüller, S.K. & García, R. 2018. Sharks in the Mediterranean: A review of the literature on the current state of scientific knowledge, conservation measures and management policies and instruments. Design by Catherine Perry (www.swim2birds.co.uk) Front cover photo: Blue shark (Prionace glauca) © Joost van Uffelen / WWF References and sources are available online at www.wwfmmi.org Published in July 2019 by WWF – World Wide Fund For Nature Any reproduction in full or in part must mention the title and credit the WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative as the copyright owner. © Text 2019 WWF. All rights reserved. Our thanks go to the following people for their invaluable comments and contributions to this report: Fabrizio Serena, Monica Barone, Adi Barash (M.E.C.O.), Ioannis Giovos (iSea), Pamela Mason (SharkLab Malta), Ali Hood (Sharktrust), Matthieu Lapinksi (AILERONS association), Sandrine Polti, Alex Bartoli, Raul Garcia, Alessandro Buzzi, Giulia Prato, Jose Luis Garcia Varas, Ayse Oruc, Danijel Kanski, Antigoni Foutsi, Théa Jacob, Sofiane Mahjoub, Sarah Fagnani, Heike Zidowitz, Philipp Kanstinger, Andy Cornish and Marco Costantini. Special acknowledgements go to WWF-Spain for funding this report. KEY CONTACTS Giuseppe Di Carlo Director WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative Email: [email protected] Simone Niedermueller Mediterranean Shark expert Email: [email protected] Stefania Campogianni Communications manager WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative Email: [email protected] WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Species Bathytoshia Brevicaudata (Hutton, 1875)
    FAMILY Dasyatidae Jordan & Gilbert, 1879 - stingrays SUBFAMILY Dasyatinae Jordan & Gilbert, 1879 - stingrays [=Trygonini, Dasybatidae, Dasybatidae G, Brachiopteridae] GENUS Bathytoshia Whitley, 1933 - stingrays Species Bathytoshia brevicaudata (Hutton, 1875) - shorttail stingray, smooth stingray Species Bathytoshia centroura (Mitchill, 1815) - roughtail stingray Species Bathytoshia lata (Garman, 1880) - brown stingray Species Bathytoshia multispinosa (Tokarev, in Linbergh & Legheza, 1959) - Japanese bathytoshia ray GENUS Dasyatis Rafinesque, 1810 - stingrays Species Dasyatis chrysonota (Smith, 1828) - blue stingray Species Dasyatis hastata (DeKay, 1842) - roughtail stingray Species Dasyatis hypostigma Santos & Carvalho, 2004 - groovebelly stingray Species Dasyatis marmorata (Steindachner, 1892) - marbled stingray Species Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) - common stingray Species Dasyatis tortonesei Capapé, 1975 - Tortonese's stingray GENUS Hemitrygon Muller & Henle, 1838 - stingrays Species Hemitrygon akajei (Muller & Henle, 1841) - red stingray Species Hemitrygon bennettii (Muller & Henle, 1841) - Bennett's stingray Species Hemitrygon fluviorum (Ogilby, 1908) - estuary stingray Species Hemitrygon izuensis (Nishida & Nakaya, 1988) - Izu stingray Species Hemitrygon laevigata (Chu, 1960) - Yantai stingray Species Hemitrygon laosensis (Roberts & Karnasuta, 1987) - Mekong freshwater stingray Species Hemitrygon longicauda (Last & White, 2013) - Merauke stingray Species Hemitrygon navarrae (Steindachner, 1892) - blackish stingray Species
    [Show full text]
  • Skates and Rays Diversity, Exploration and Conservation – Case-Study of the Thornback Ray, Raja Clavata
    UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA FACULDADE DE CIÊNCIAS DEPARTAMENTO DE BIOLOGIA ANIMAL SKATES AND RAYS DIVERSITY, EXPLORATION AND CONSERVATION – CASE-STUDY OF THE THORNBACK RAY, RAJA CLAVATA Bárbara Marques Serra Pereira Doutoramento em Ciências do Mar 2010 UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA FACULDADE DE CIÊNCIAS DEPARTAMENTO DE BIOLOGIA ANIMAL SKATES AND RAYS DIVERSITY, EXPLORATION AND CONSERVATION – CASE-STUDY OF THE THORNBACK RAY, RAJA CLAVATA Bárbara Marques Serra Pereira Tese orientada por Professor Auxiliar com Agregação Leonel Serrano Gordo e Investigadora Auxiliar Ivone Figueiredo Doutoramento em Ciências do Mar 2010 The research reported in this thesis was carried out at the Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR - INRB), Unidade de Recursos Marinhos e Sustentabilidade. This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/23777/2005) and the research project EU Data Collection/DCR (PNAB). Skates and rays diversity, exploration and conservation | Table of Contents Table of Contents List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. i List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. v List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. viii Agradecimentos ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fish Species and for Eggs and Larvae of Larger Fish
    BATIQUITOS LAGOON FOUNDATION F I S H Fishes of the Lagoon There were only a few species of fish in Batiquitos Lagoon (just five!) BATIQUITOS LAGOON FOUNDATION before it was opened to the ocean and tides at the end of 1996. High temperatures in the summer, low oxygen levels, and wide ranges of ANCHOVY salinity did not allow the ecosystem to flourish. Since the restoration of tidal action to the lagoon, the fish populations have significantly increased in numbers and diversity and more than sixty-five species have been found. Lagoons serve as breeding and nursery areas for a wide array of coastal fish, provide habitat and food for resident species TOPSMELT and serve as feeding areas for seasonal species. Different areas of the lagoon environment provide specific habitat needs. These include tidal creeks, sandy bottoms, emergent vegetation, submergent vegetation, nearshore shallows, open water, saline pools and brackish/freshwater areas. These habitats are defined by water YELLOWFIN GOBY characteristics including salinity, water temperature, water velocity and water depth. The lagoon bottom varies with the type of substrate such as rock, cobble, gravel, sand, clay, mud and silt. Tidal creeks and channels provide refuges for small fish species and for eggs and larvae of larger fish. Species in tidal creeks include ROUND STINGRAY gobies and topsmelt. Sandy bottoms provide important habitat for bottom-dwelling fish species such as rays, sharks and flatfish. The sandy areas provide important refuges for crustaceans, which are prey to many fish species within the lagoon. The burrows of ghost shrimp are utilized by the arrow goby.
    [Show full text]
  • Electroreception in the Euryhaline Stingray, Dasyatis Sabina
    ELECTRORECEPTION IN THE EURYHALINE STINGRAY, DASYATIS SABINA by David W. McGowan A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida May 2008 ELECTRORECEPTION IN THE EURYHALINE STINGRAY, DASYATIS SABINA by David W . McGowan This thesis was prepared under the direction of the candidate's thesis advisor, Dr. Stephen M. Kajiura, Department of Biological Sciences, and has been approved by the members of his supervisory committee. It was submitted to the faculty of The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and was accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE Thes1s A v1sor ~~ ii. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my committee members Dr. Mike Salmon of Florida Atlantic University and Dr. Joseph Sisneros of the University of Washington for their time and invaluable input throughout the length of this project. This study would not have been possible without the support of my colleagues at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute's Tequesta and Deleon Springs Field labs in collecting and transporting the stingrays. My fellow lab mates in the FAU Elasmobiology Lab, Chris Bedore, Laura Macesic, Mikki McComb, Tricia Meredith, and Anthony Cornett, were of such great support throughout this endeavor, as well the numerous undergraduate volunteers. They constantly assisted me with husbandry, transportation of animals and supplies, and in the trials and tribulations of graduate school. Special thanks to my amazing wife, Veronica, for her unconditional love and support, and limitless patience over these past four years.
    [Show full text]
  • Florida's Fintastic Sharks and Rays Lesson and Activity Packet
    Florida's Fintastic Sharks and Rays An at-home lesson for grades 3-5 Produced by: This educational workbook was produced through the support of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. 1 What are sharks and rays? Believe it or not, they’re a type of fish! When you think “fish,” you probably picture a trout or tuna, but fishes come in all shapes and sizes. All fishes share the following key characteristics that classify them into this group: Fishes have the simplest of vertebrate hearts with only two chambers- one atrium and one ventricle. The spine in a fish runs down the middle of its back just like ours, making fish vertebrates. All fishes have skeletons, but not all fish skeletons are made out of bones. Some fishes have skeletons made out of cartilage, just like your nose and ears. Fishes are cold-blooded. Cold-blooded animals use their environment to warm up or cool down. Fins help fish swim. Fins come in pairs, like pectoral and pelvic fins or are singular, like caudal or anal fins. Later in this packet, we will look at the different types of fins that fishes have and some of the unique ways they are used. 2 Placoid Ctenoid Ganoid Cycloid Hard protective scales cover the skin of many fish species. Scales can act as “fingerprints” to help identify some fish species. There are several different scale types found in bony fishes, including cycloid (round), ganoid (rectangular or diamond), and ctenoid (scalloped). Cartilaginous fishes have dermal denticles (Placoid) that resemble tiny teeth on their skin.
    [Show full text]
  • Stingray Injuries
    Stingray Injuries FINDLAY E. RUSSELL, M.D. inflicted by stingrays are com¬ the integumentary sheath surrounding the INJURIESmon in several areas of the coastal waters spine is ruptured and the venom escapes into of North America (1-4). Approximately 750 the victim's tissues. In withdrawing the spine, people a year along our coasts are stung by the integumentary sheath may be torn free and these elasmobranchs. The largest number of remain in the wound. stings are reported from southern California, Unlike the injuries inflicted by many venom¬ the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and ous animals, wounds produced by the stingray the south Atlantic coast (5). may be large and severely lacerated, requiring Of 1,097 stingray injuries reported over a 5- extensive debridement and surgical closure. A year period in the United States (5, tf), 232 sting no wider than 5 mm. may produce a were seen by a physician at some time during wound 3.5 cm. long (#), and larger stings may the course of the recovery of the victim. Sixty- produce wounds 7 inches long (7). Occasion¬ two patients were hospitalized; the majority of ally, the sting itself may be broken off in the these required surgical closure of their wounds wound. or treatment for secondary infection, or both. The sting, or caudal spine, is a bilaterally ser¬ At least 10 of the 62 victims were hospitalized rated dentinal structure located on the dorsal for treatment for overexuberant first aid care. surface of the animal's tail. The sharp serra¬ Only eight patients were hospitalized for the tions are curved cephalically and as such are treatment of the systemic effects produced by responsible for the lacerating effects as the sting the venom.
    [Show full text]
  • Stingray Bay: Media Kit
    STINGRAY BAY: MEDIA KIT Stingray Bay has been the talk of the town! What is it? Columbus Zoo and Aquarium guests and members will now have the opportunity to see stingrays up close and to touch these majestic creatures! The Stingray Bay experience will encourage visitors to interact with the Zoo’s brand new school of stingrays by watching these beautiful animals “fly” through the water and dipping their hands in the water to come in contact with them. Where is located? Located in Jungle Jack’s Landing near Zoombezi Bay, Stingray Bay will feature an 18,000-gallon saltwater pool for stingrays to call home. Staff and volunteers will monitor the pool, inform guests about the best ways to touch the animals and answer questions when the exhibit opens daily at 10 a.m. What types of stingrays call Stingray Bay home? Dozens of cownose and southern stingrays will glide though the waters of Stingray Bay. Educational interpreters will explain the role of these stingrays in the environment. Stingrays are typically bottom feeders with molar-like teeth used to crush the shells of their prey such as crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. I’m excited to touch the stingrays, but is it safe? Absolutely! The rays barbs have been carefully trimmed off their whip-like tails. The painless procedure is similar to cutting human fingernails. Safe for all ages, the landscaped pool features a waterfall and a wide ledge for toddlers to lean against when touching the rays. This sounds cool! How much does it cost? Admission to Stingray Bay is free for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Gold Members and discounted for Members.
    [Show full text]