species family inhabits coastal waters south_africa taiwan australia favoring sandy habitats large species reaching width diamond shaped pectoral fin disc extremely long tail fin common scientific names refer ornate dorsal color pattern small close set dark spots lighter background large spotted coupled coloration age locality resulted great deal taxonomic confusion encountered resting daytime predator dwelling invertebrates bony fishes like viviparous developing embryos yolk later milk females bear litters pups summer following gestation period year southeast_asia parts indian_ocean meat skin purposes highly susceptible population large size habits low reproductive rate additionally threatened extensive habitat degradation consequently assessed species vulnerable taxonomy phylogeny published work late friend swedish naturalist described commonly known spotted variant called derived arabic word describes color pattern type specimen designated account formed basis subsequent writings named spotted ray distinct species published precedence later authorities regarded earliest available initially consequently modern sources valid specific epithet species authority included newly created genus type species closely related share range species similar size shape color pattern resulting long history taxonomic confusion recently starting described species complex containing plus species varies appearance range taxonomic comparisons required determine spotted color fact represent different species alternate common names ray include ray leopard names shared similar species description pectoral fin disc diamond shaped wider long leading margins straight snout outer corners angular juveniles disc wide long snout rounded corners eyes small immediately followed paired respiratory openings short wide curtain skin fringed rear margin present long thin nostrils mouth relatively small deep center lower jaw shallow furrows corners extending lower jaw row like structures found floor mouth upper tooth rows lower tooth rows pelvic fins small triangular tail whip like extremely thin measuring times long disc intact lacks fin usually spine located upper surface tail distance base adult rays wide band flattened heart shaped dermal denticles extend eyes tail spine increasing density age large pearl center tail spine covered small dorsal band denticles largely developed time juveniles coloration varies substantially age locality adults generally dorsal pattern numerous closely spaced dark brown spots yellow brown background past spine lighter bands sides underside pale markings juveniles yellowish tiny densely packed dark spots seven spots line rows spots sting large species reported reach disc width total length weight distribution habitat occurs widely range extending eastern south_africa westward coast indian southeast_asia reaching far taiwan north new_guinea northern australia southeast eastern mediterranean_sea suez_canal species common australian waters occurs shark bay brisbane dwelling nature generally encountered sandy flats near beaches coral reefs zone offshore waters deep sand flats warm season shifts slightly deeper patches cold season species tolerant low known enter swamps records fresh water southeast_asia represent preferred water temperatures biology ecology day generally inactive spends time resting sea floor buried sand western australia ray found resting singly small groups shallow water high tide lateral line extends tip extremely long tail giving advance warning approaching predators sharks prefers rest species longer tails grant superior predator detection mixed species groups settle tails pointing outward maximum predator awareness variety benthic organisms including crabs worms bony fishes western indian_ocean thirds diet consists fishes particular crustaceans making remainder contrast rays australian waters apparently known consume known parasites species include like viviparous developing embryos initially sustained yolk later supplanted milk enriched proteins produced mother females birth pups summer year long gestation period south_africa measure sexual maturation attained disc width approximately corresponds age australia measure males reported mature juveniles species differ birth size disc shape development spotting fact distinct adults species serve nursery area young rays human interactions fights strongly hook line popular recreational usually release alive species caught intensive commercial fisheries operating southeast_asia parts indian_ocean nets beach particular caught substantial numbers indonesian fishery targeting meat skin utilized species highly valued food fish applications chinese medicine tail sold listed vulnerable large size habitat preferences slow reproductive rate render susceptible specific data lacking significant declines overall ray catches documented range including pakistan habitat degradation threatens species indonesia malaysia cleared pollution destructive fishing practices taken toll australian waters offer refuge fishing pressure targeted commercially installation reduced mortality indications increasing illegal fishing australian territory indonesian vessels
Reticulate whipray