The family Dasyatidae encompasses two subfamilies, 9 genera and ca. 70 species. Stingrays of the subfamily Dasyatinae are found in tropical and temperate seas worldwide, although some also enter brackish waters, including mangrove swamps; the freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygoninae) inhabit South American and West African rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Most stingrays are benthic, burying themselves partially under sand or mud in relatively shallow water. Some species migrate seasonally; at least one is entirely pelagic. These stingrays have expanded pectoral fins that form a circular, oval, or rhomboidal disc, 0.2-2 m in diameter. The coloration is drab, brown or gray, well-blending with the bottom substrate. The tail is longer than the disc and bears one or more defensive venomous spines. The caudal fin is reduced to long fin folds, or may be lacking altogether. The Dasyatidae are viviparous, and produce relatively few young over their lifespan. They feed on mollusks, worms, crustaceans, fishes, etc.

		Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana)
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