Cartilaginous rays
Stingrays are cartilaginous fishes in the suborder Myliobatoidei of the order Myliobatiformes.
Photo byRoger Darnell
Species Guide
What to know about stingrayses
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
Stingrays are a group of rays in the suborder Myliobatoidei (order Myliobatiformes). The group includes about 220 known species in 29 genera and is divided among eleven families, including eagle rays, manta and devil rays, butterfly rays, whiptail stingrays, and river stingrays. Most stingrays are demersal (living near the sea floor), though some, such as pelagic stingrays and eagle rays, are pelagic. Species occur mainly in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide; some occur in warmer temperate seas, deep ocean environments, or in fresh water (river stingrays).
Many stingray species are becoming threatened or vulnerable, with unregulated fishing identified as a major cause; some species lack sufficient data for assessment.
Most stingrays are demersal (inhabiting zones near the sea floor), while some species are pelagic and occupy the open water column.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Koh Tao, Caye Caulker, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Belize and countries such as Thailand, Brazil, Australia for divers building trips around stingrayses.
Identification
How to identify stingrayses
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Taxonomic diversity
The group comprises about 220 species across 29 genera and eleven families, including both demersal and pelagic forms and some freshwater species.
Range and Movement
How stingrayses move through the world
The broad range, seasonal movement, or migratory behavior that shapes where divers encounter this species.
Most stingrays are demersal (inhabiting zones near the sea floor), while some species are pelagic and occupy the open water column.
Population
Estimated numbers and what we actually know
Published estimates when credible, or an explicit note when no reliable global count exists.
About 220 known species organized into 29 genera.
Conservation
What is happening with Stingrayses
Status, pressure, and protection context grounded in cited sources rather than filler.
Many stingray species are becoming threatened or vulnerable, with unregulated fishing identified as a major cause; some species lack sufficient data for assessment.
Main threats
Unregulated fishing
Unregulated fishing is cited as a primary driver causing many stingray species to become threatened or vulnerable to extinction.
Protections and controls
IUCN listings
As of 2013, 45 stingray species had been listed as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN; other species are listed as data deficient.
Responsible Encounters
How to dive with stingrayses
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give stingrays space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with rays.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
Field notes
Eleven families
Stingrays are divided among eleven families, including manta and devil rays (Mobulidae) and river stingrays (Potamotrygonidae).
Habitat range
Species occur in coastal tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, with some in temperate seas, the deep ocean, or freshwater rivers.
Top Destinations
Top destinations to see stingrayses
Destinations surfaced from the linked dive spots associated with this species.
Top Countries
Top countries for stingrayses
The strongest country-level starting points currently linked to this species.
Top Dive Spots
Top dive spots for stingrayses
Directly linked dive spots where this species already shows up in the planning data.
Ilha das Cabras
Short-boat sanctuary dive with sheltered reef and busy channel edges.
5.0
1 dive⚓
AccessEasy entry
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
CrowdFew visitors
Batu Lumbung (Manta Point)
Boat-only manta cleaning-station reef off south Nusa Penida.
⚓
Hol-Chan
Short-form name for Belize's reef-and-shark reserve.
5.0
3 dives⚓
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CrowdFew visitors
Ilha da Âncora
Offshore island reef and wall dives by boat.
5.0
2 dives⚓
AccessEasy entry
CoralPristine, vibrant coral
Marine LifeExceptional variety
Japanese Gardens Koh Tao
Shallow Koh Nang Yuan coral garden for easy dives and snorkeling.
5.0
2 dives⚓
AccessEasy entry
Manta Point, Nusa Penida
Boat-accessed south-coast manta site with rocky pinnacles.
5.0
1 dive⚓
AccessSimple entry
CoralMixed health
Marine LifeSome life
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
CrowdFew visitors
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.
Research Sources
Stingrays information sources
Primary and credible references behind the field-guide and conservation claims on this page.
Sources 2Last Updated
Related Species
More in Rays
Related species guides in the same encounter family.
