![]() Breeding is most common in March and April in southern California in temperate water, but may vary depending on location and water temperature, e.g., it takes place from February to March in the Gulf of California. These rays reach sexual maturity at two and a half years of age. Although predominantly bottom feeders, they have been observed in the upper water column preying on small fishes. The diet consists primarily of bottom dwelling invertebrates such as worms, shrimp, amphipods, clams and other small mollusks, and small fishes. The mouth and large fins are used to remove bottom sediment when exposing buried food. This species feeds mostly during the day, relying on sight and smell to locate prey items. Most round rays are much smaller than this and more commonly seen with a disc diameter of 25.4 cm (10 in) or less. Maximum reported weight is approximately 1.3 kg (3 lb). The largest round ray reported had a total length of 58.0 cm (22.8 in). The underside is a solid whitish or light yellow color. The dappling is diffuse in most round rays, but in some, the patterns are well defined. Round rays vary in color from tan to brown to gray and from plain to spotted or mottled with varying pattern shades giving them a dappled appearance. An average sized ray usually has a spine that is 2.5-3.8 cm (1-1.5 in) in length. The sting is located on top of the tail about half way back from the base of the tail. The eyes and spiracles are on top of the head and the mouth, nostrils, and gill slits are on the ventral side. Its sturdy tail is less than half the length of its body and ends in a true caudal fin, unlike the thin whip-like tails of other stingrays that usually lack a caudal fin. Physical CharacteristicsĪs its common name implies, this ray’s smooth body or disc is nearly round. Sloughs and beaches are other favorite areas. It is not unusual to find them in greater numbers at estuary mouths and shallow bays during breeding and pupping times of the year (April to September). ![]() They most commonly inhabit water depths from intertidal to less than 15 m (50 ft) in depth, but may also be found in water as deep as 91 m (300 ft). Round rays prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but are occasionally found in rocky reef areas. Most abundant in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico Habitat Geographic DistributionĮastern Pacific from Humboldt Bay in northern California south to the Gulf of California and Panama City, Panama. Round rays are on view in the Shorebird Sanctuary exhibit and in the Ray Touchpool on the second floor outdoors. Occasionally they also get capelin (a small smelt-like fish), clams, and squid. Our round stingrays feed on a diet of diced shrimp. SPECIES IN DETAIL Round Stingray (Round Ray)ĬLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable At the Aquarium
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