Description Very little is known about the biology of most skates and rays - including stingrays - because they   have  been largely overshadowed by their more infamous relatives, the sharks. This is unfortunate, as these fish are fascinating creatures in their own right. The Southern Stingray is an inshore species,  frequenting   shallow, open areas of sand and mud bottom. It is commonly encountered in bays and estuaries, usually buried in sand with only its eyes and spiracles exposed. In addition to sand bottoms, the  Southern Stingray has  been  observed in sea grass beds, turbid estuaries, clear lagoons, and resting on reef faces. . The disc of juveniles is greyish-brown above, white below. Adults are usually a uniform  dark brown above, cream to  beige below;  the underside of the pectoral and pelvic fins sometimes have dusky margins. . Biology  Male Southern  Stingrays are much smaller  than females. Males are sexually mature at a disc width of about 1.5 feet, and rarely get much larger than 2.5 feet across; the onset of maturity is punctuated by  rapid clasper growth.  Females are sexually mature at a  disc width of about 3 feet, and may grow to a width of nearly 6 feet. Mating occurs in shallow water during winter (December to January).  The  developing embryos are nourished  first by yolk and at later stages by  'uterine milk' secreted from specialized cells lining the mother stingray's uterus; the fetuses either drink this protein-rich bath or  absorb it directly via the gills. After a  gestation period of about five months,  three to five young - each measuring 7 to 8 inches across - are born in shallow estuaries. The young will remain in estuary  waters for about three years, often seeking  shelter among the prop roots of mangroves. Distribution Known  depth range is from the intertidal zone down to at  least 80 feet. Although primarily a tropical to warm  temperate Atlantic species, the Southern Stingray is sometimes found as far north as New Jersey, having  evidently migrated to higher latitudes as the water  warms in summer.  The Gulf of Mexico has them in abundance. Bowfishing Facts Stingray are one of the most  fascinating and difficult of all species to pursue with bow and  arrow.  They should be sought in the bright day light hours in a calm  sea.  They can be best spotted from a raised platform on a  boat.  Often their feeding creates a "muddy" area that can be used as a  beacon for the bowfisherman!  The stingray is often  found at around 30 pounds.  But the 50+ pounders are common  enough to be worth pursuing.  A 75 pound stingray is a formidable opponent with enough power  to pull a boat or a bowfisherman  overboard!  That is why we strongly recommend using a float system when  hunting these saltwater gliders.  Your bow should also be set higher - at least 55 pounds to accommodate  the deeper water and  the hard cartilaginous skeleton of these fish.  We should mention that these  fish are very good eating so do not miss out on that buffet!  As a hazard warning we remind you to be careful  with the  "stinging barb" located on the whip-like tail.  It can inflict a serious  wound.  But these barbs also make great trophies when prepared correctly.  I personally have taken many of these  fish  so  please feel free to write with questions:    Jerry@carpkillerconnection.com   [Home Page] [Links] [Species] [Tourneys]  [Boat Rigs] [Photos] [Equipment] [Contact Us] [The Store]