Latin name

Telatrygon zugei

Other name

Sharpnose stingray

Identification

The pectoral fins of these rays fuse with the head to form a diamond-shaped flat disc, wider than long, with rounded fins ("wings"). The front edge is strongly elongated and forms a triangular, pointed snout. Behind the small eyes are splayed spiracles that are larger than they are. On the ventral surface of the disc are 5 gill slits, a mouth and nostrils. A flap of skin with a fringed lower margin runs between the nostrils. 

The mouth of the pale-edged stingray is arched, with no protuberances at the base of the oral cavity. The teeth are staggered to form a flat surface. Unlike females and immature individuals, the teeth of males are pointed. The mouth has 40-55 rows of teeth on the upper and lower jaws. 

The whip-shaped tail is much longer than the disc. As in other whip-tailed rays, there is a serrated spine on the dorsal surface in the central part of the tail stalk, connected by ducts to a venom gland. Sometimes rays have 2 spines. Periodically the sting is broken off and a new one grows in its place. Behind the spine on the caudal trunk are ventral and dorsal skin folds. The skin of juvenile stingrays has no scales. Adults have 5-6 scales in front of the spike. 

Features of fish fins

The pelvic fins are triangular in shape. 

Fish colouring

Colour of dorsal surface of disc smooth chocolate brown. Ventral surface of disc white with dark border along margin. 

Distribution

Widespread from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. They inhabit the coasts of Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Habitat

These rays are found on the continental shelf at depths of up to 100 metres. They prefer sandy bottoms.

Size

The maximum recorded length is 75 cm and the disc width is 29 cm, while the average disc is no wider than 18-24 cm.

Behavior

Pale-edged rays often swim into river mouths. 

Food and feeding habits

The diet of these rays consists mainly of bottom-dwelling crustaceans and small fish. 

Reproduction

They are oviparous fish. The embryos develop in the womb and feed on egg yolk and histotrophs. There are 1-3 newborns in a litter, with a disc width of 8-10 cm. Males and females reach sexual maturity at a disc width of 18 and 19 cm respectively. 

Fishing

Because of their small size, they are not hunted, but are caught in large numbers as by-catch in commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Thailand, the Java Sea and off the coast of India. The meat is eaten as food. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless.