Blue Ray

Dasyatidae is a family of rays, cartilaginous marine fishes, related to skates and sharks. Common in tropical waters throughout the world, with some fresh water species in Asia (Himantura sp.), Africa, and Florida (Dasyatis sabina).

Swiming with a "flying" motion, propelled by motion of their large pectoral wings. Their stinger is a razor-sharp, barbed, or serrated cartilaginous spine which grows from the ray's whip-like tail up to lengths of about 14 inches. On the underside of the spine are two grooves containing venom-secreting glandular tissue. The entire spine is covered with a thin layer of skin called the integumentary sheath, in which venom is concentrated. Varying in sizes from no larger than a human palm six feet in diameter, and an overall length (from head to tip of the tail) of fourteen feet.

This photograph was taken off the coast of Australia (close to Margaret Island) and is available as a print from 10 inch by 8 inch.