Are giant freshwater stingrays endangered?

Why are giant stingrays better than other Mekong fish?

Populations of giant stingray are faring better than other Mekong giant fish. Experts suggest this may be because of the depth of the river these species inhabit as well as the fact that they are so difficult to catch.

Is there such a thing as a giant stingray?

For the giant freshwater stingray from South America, see short-tailed river stingray. The giant freshwater stingray ( Urogymnus polylepis , also widely known by the junior synonym Himantura chaophraya) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae.

Why are Stingrays endangered in Thailand?

These forces have resulted in substantial population declines in at least central Thailand and Cambodia. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the giant freshwater stingray as Endangered.

What’s wrong with Thailand’s rivers?

Thai rivers have been plagued by serious pollution, overfishing and dam building, which have taken a deadly toll on Thailand’s once diverse and abundant river life. The ray is believed to exist in only small numbers.

What is Himantura kittipongi freshwater stingray?

The Himantura kittipongi freshwater stingray and was first observed in 2004 but was only confirmed as a new species by researchers from WWF-Thailand and the US-based Smithsonian Institute in 2006. The new species was named Himantura kittipongi after prominent Thai fish expert Kittipong Jaruthanin who first observed the ray in 2004.

Can Stingrays pull boats underwater?

At more than half a ton in size, large stingrays have been known to pull boats up and down rivers and even underwater. The Himantura kittipongi freshwater stingray and was first observed in 2004 but was only confirmed as a new species by researchers from WWF-Thailand and the US-based Smithsonian Institute in 2006.

What do giant stingrays eat?

Giant stingrays are bottom feeders, preying on fish, prawns, mussels, clams, and whatever else they can find. Scientists don’t know how long the rays can live, but Nantarika estimates this one is between 35 and 40 years old, based on its size. Record Catch?

What fish can kill a stingray?

Hammerhead sharks – these are the most common threat to stingrays. Lemon sharks – another big danger! Carnivorous fish – most fish wouldn’t be able to fit a stingray in their mouth, so these ones must be quite big. Stingrays are endangered because of the oil spill and predators like the hammerhead shark.

Why are Stingrays an endangered species?

Stingrays are endangered because of the oil spill and predators like the hammerhead shark. Are there any rays that are threatened with extinction?

What is the importance of rivers in Thailand?

Longest Rivers In Thailand 1 Overview of the Major Rivers in Thailand. The Mekong River is the longest at 2,703 miles. … 2 Biodiversity and Habitats. Rivers in Thailand support a wide variety of both plant and animal species in their river ecosystems. 3 Economic Importance. … 4 Environmental Threats. … 5 Territorial Disputes.

Is there a barb fish in Thailand?

The Java Barb is native carp species to Thailand and several other Asian countries and is one of Thailand’s smaller and lesser known freshwater fish species. The Red-Tailed Tinfoil Barb is one of Thailand’s smaller carp species which inhabits rivers throughout the Chaophraya and Mekong River Basins.

What is the biggest fish in the Mekong River?

Catfish, Giant Mekong. The Giant Mekong Catfish in Thailand is a contender for the world’s largest freshwater fish and has been caught at incredible weights to 293kg’s in the wild. Although endangered in its wild habitat, this species is widely stocked into fishing lakes in Thailand.

Is the giant freshwater Sting Ray endangered?

The Giant Freshwater Sting Ray ( Himantura chaophraya) is an endangered species and is close to going on the critical list. Not a great deal is known about its habits and life cycle in its native habitats.

What is Stingray used for in India?

In Goa, and other Indian states, it is sometimes used as part of spicy curries. Generally, the most prized parts of the stingray are the wings, the “cheek” (the area surrounding the eyes), and the liver. The rest of the ray is considered too rubbery to have any culinary uses.

Do Stingrays care for their young?

In a very small number of species, like the freshwater whipray (Himantura chaophraya), the mother “cares” for her young by having them swim with her until they are one-third of her size. At the Sea Life London Aquarium, two female stingrays delivered seven baby stingrays, although the mothers have not been near a male for two years.

What’s the difference between manta rays and stingrays?

Also, manta rays aren’t hunters like stingrays, but are filter feeders, swimming with their mouth open to sift out small animals living in the water column, Kajiura said. Manta rays also have two small appendages that stick out on either side of their mouth called cephalic fins, according to NOAA, which stingrays don’t have.

Are there any giant stingrays in the ocean?

The giant freshwater stingray ( Himantura polylepis) is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, Hogan said. No one is sure how many giant stingrays are left, which habitats they prefer, or even if they ever venture into the ocean, where their more commonly known relatives dwell.

What fish do Stingrays eat?

► Some pelagic stingrays hunt in the upper waters of the oceans to catch bony fish like sardines, salmon, anchovies, pufferfish, mackerel, and even plankton. Some species have even been observed using their pectoral fins to ‘hold’ fish while consuming them.

How do Stingrays get rid of parasites?

Stingrays are known to visit ‘cleaning stations’, where small fish remove and eat any parasites from the ray’s body. This way, the ray gets rid of parasites, and the cleaner fish finds a meal too. Stingrays are flat, marine fish, named after the barbed spines, or stingers present on their long tails.

Are Stingrays dangerous to fish?

Although rays are relatively peaceful by nature, they are still predators, and they will attempt to pick off any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Some smaller tankmates are easily ambushed at night while the stingrays are hunting, so be sure provide plenty of hiding spots so that they can sleep undisturbed.

Can a dead stingray kill you?

HowStuffWorks couldn’t find any case in which a person was killed by a dead stingray. There have been reports of fishermen dying from contact with dead, and even frozen, venomous fish, however [source: Marks and Plewig ]. Even after a stingray’s death, the venom it produced while alive would still be a threat to humans.