Round Fantail Stingray

Taeniurops grabatus

The Round Fantail Stingray is a large marine species found in the Eastern Atlantic, from the Canary Islands and Mauritania to Angola, including Cape Verde, and in the Mediterranean from Tunisia to Egypt. It is typically found in coastal waters, preferring sandy and rock-sand bottoms where it often partially buries itself in sand or mud. Divers may encounter this species at depths ranging from 10 to 300 meters, although most sightings occur in shallower waters, often less than 40 meters deep. This stingray reaches a maximum length of 250 cm and can weigh up to 84 kg. It is a bottom-dwelling predator, feeding on bottom-living fishes and crustaceans. The species exhibits ovoviviparity, where embryos initially feed on yolk and later receive additional nourishment from the mother through specialized uterine structures. Distinct pairing and embrace are part of their reproductive behavior. While diving, encountering a Round Fantail Stingray can be a serene experience as they are generally harmless to humans. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.