Giant Whiptail Ray
Himantura dalyensis ON EXHIBIT: River Giants exhibit in River Journey
FUN FACTS
Whiptail Stingrays are benthic rays that spend a great deal of time buried under the sand or mud
with just their eyes protruding. This is considered primarily a defensive strategy rather than a stealthy
way to surprise prey. Because they tire easily when swimming, remaining buried is the ideal way to avoid
becoming lunch. They are heavily preyed on by a number of shark species (especially by hammerheads).
CONSERVATION
This species should be considered Critically Endangered throughout its known range. H. dalyensis has
been and will continue to be affected by the complex and synergistic effects of the restrictions of its
obligate freshwater habitat, fishing pressures and habitat alteration/destruction. The possibility of
biological extinction in the wild is considered extremely high.
About This Animal
SIZE: They reaches over 6 feet in the wild.
RANGE: The giant freshwater stingray is known from highly disjunct locales including fresh waters in
Thailand in the Chao Phraya, Nan, Mekong, Bongpakong, Tachin and Tapi Rivers. It may occur in most of the large rivers of tropical Australia.
HABITAT: Most are confined to marine habitats but some are known to migrate into brackish estuarine environments and a few species are well adapted to live year round in both fresh and salt water.
DIET: They have a varied diet. Depending on availability they are known to eat mollusks, crustaceans, jellyfish, and bony fishes.
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