Stingrays

Stingrays are actually closely related to sharks. They are a type of cartilaginous fish similar to that of sharks. They also have the same sensory organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini that functions in detecting prey. Stingrays have a unique body shape, that is flattened in shape, surrounded by pectoral fins and also have a pair of pelvic fins at the rear end. Stingrays possess a pair of eyes on their dorsal top side, while their mouth, gill slit and anus are located on their underside.

Stingray when they are not hungry or feeding, they like to bury themselves under the sand, leaving only their eyes visible. This behaviour of burying in the sand is associated with a few purposes. That is by hiding, stingrays are able to 'sneak up' on their prey whenever their prey stops nearby. Another purpose is that burying hides them from potential predators.

Stingrays are actually docile animals, and they only stung when threatened. Their venom is rarely fatal to humans, however if pierced through important organs can result in death instantly. The fatal stung that caused the late Steve Irwin's death is because the barb pierced through his chest. However, in any case that anyone gets stung by a stingray, always apply the standard first aid kit treatment.

In Malaysia, stingrays are widely consumed among locals as source of food. They are also utilized as ornamental fish. One of the famous stingray dishes that is popular among Malaysians is the Asam Pedas Ikan Pari which is well-known from the states of Melaka and Johor. Ornamental stingrays are usually bred from freshwater species of stingray.