Facts about the animal kingdom

How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really?

 
María Luz Thurman
By María Luz Thurman, Biologist/ornithologist. October 27, 2024
How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really?

Although stingrays are generally calm creatures, they do possess venomous barbs that contribute to their reputation for being dangerous. Encounters with stingrays are rarely fatal, but it's understandable to wonder about the risks of encountering them in open water.

In this AnimalWised article, we examine how dangerous stingrays really are, what you can expect if you get stung, and practical tips on how to avoid such encounters.

You may also be interested in: Types of Stingrays
Contents
  1. What is the difference between manta rays and stingrays?
  2. Are stingrays poisonous or venomous?
  3. What happens if you get hit by a stingray?
  4. Are all stingrays dangerous to humans?
  5. How to avoid stingray stings

What is the difference between manta rays and stingrays?

People often confuse manta rays and stingrays because both have flat, wing-like bodies, but there are key differences. Although they’re related, they belong to different families:

  • Stingrays are part of Dasyatidae and have venomous barbed tails for defense, usually living on the ocean floor. Stingrays are generally smaller and feed on crustaceans found on the seafloor. Stingrays tend to rest camouflaged on sandy bottoms and swim with more direct, purposeful movements.

  • Manta rays belong to Mobulidae, lack stingers, and live in open water, relying on size and speed to avoid threats. Manta rays, which can reach up to 7 meters (23 feet) across, are filter feeders that swim with open mouths to consume plankton. Their movements are more predictable, and they're known to perform spectacular somersaults while feeding

Can you get stung by a manta ray?

No, you can’t get stung by a manta ray. Unlike stingrays, manta rays don’t have a barbed or venomous stinger on their tails. Manta rays are completely harmless to humans and rely on their large size and swimming speed to avoid threats rather than using any form of physical defense.

Are stingrays poisonous or venomous?

Stingrays are venomous, not poisonous. This is an important distinction to make. Venom is a specific type of toxin that is delivered through a bite or sting. In the case of stingrays, they have a barbed tail that injects venom into a predator or threat when they feel attacked. This venom can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, more severe reactions.

Poison, on the other hand, affects you when you ingest it or come into contact with it. For example, if you were to eat something poisonous or touch a poisonous plant, you could experience harmful effects.

So, in summary, the difference lies in how the toxin is delivered: venom is injected, while poison affects you through contact or ingestion. Stingrays fall into the venomous category because of their ability to inject venom through their barbs.

How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really? - Are stingrays poisonous or venomous?

What happens if you get hit by a stingray?

A stingray sting can be quite painful and varies in severity depending on several factors, including the species of stingray, the size of the sting, and the individual's reaction to the venom. However, they are rarely fatal.

When a stingray uses its barbed tail to inject venom, you may experience immediate symptoms such as:

  • Intense pain
  • Swelling and redness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps and spasms

While most stingray stings are not life-threatening, they can still lead to complications.

One major concern is an allergic reaction, which happens when your body overreacts to the venom. You might experience difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the throat, making it hard to swallow or breathe. If you notice these symptoms after a sting, seek immediate medical help, as this could indicate anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.

Infections are another risk. If the sting site isn’t cleaned properly, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. You may notice increased pain and redness in the area, and the swelling might get worse instead of better. If you see pus or discharge, or if you develop a fever, these are signs of infection.

Do you need to go to the hospital for a stingray sting?

You may need to go to the hospital for a stingray sting, especially if you experience intense pain, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing. If you notice increased redness, pus, or a fever, it’s also wise to seek medical attention. Even if your symptoms seem mild, having a healthcare professional assess the sting can help prevent complications and ensure proper care.

How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really? - What happens if you get hit by a stingray?

Are all stingrays dangerous to humans?

Not all stingrays are dangerous to humans. In fact, only a small percentage of stingray species pose a threat. Most stingrays are generally harmless and prefer to avoid contact with people.

Stingray attacks typically happen when they feel threatened or are accidentally stepped on, which leads to a defensive sting. It's important to remember that stingrays are more interested in swimming away from you than attacking.

While the risk of injury largely depends on specific situations rather than the species, a few stingray species are considered particularly dangerous. These include:

  • Dasyatis pastinaca (Common Stingray): found in coastal waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
  • Dasyatis americana (Southern Stingray): commonly seen in the western Atlantic.
  • Dasyatis violacea (Bluestreak Stingray): found in Tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

Did you know some jellyfish can be extremely dangerous? Dive into the world of these fascinating yet hazardous creatures.

How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really? - Are all stingrays dangerous to humans?

How to avoid stingray stings

Avoiding stingray stings is straightforward if you follow some simple steps. Here’s what you need to know.

  • First, always shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water. This technique warns stingrays of your presence, giving them a chance to swim away. Stingrays usually rest on the ocean floor, so shuffling helps prevent accidental encounters.

  • Be mindful of where you swim. Stay clear of areas known for stingray activity, especially sandy spots in shallow water. It’s also smart to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when stingrays are more active.

  • Consider wearing protective footwear. Water shoes can shield your feet from unexpected stings. They provide an extra layer of protection in sandy or rocky areas.

Want to dive deeper into the world of marine creatures? Discover the unique ways fish bring new life into the ocean.

If you want to read similar articles to How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.

Bibliography
  • Notarbartolo di Sciara, G., Stevens, G., & Fernando, D. (2020). The giant devil ray Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) is not giant, but it is the only spinetail devil ray. Marine Biodiversity Records , 13 (1), 1-5.
  • Shea-Vantine, CS, Galloway, KA, Ingle, DN, Porter, ME, & Kajiura, SM (2021). Caudal spine morphology and puncture performance of two coastal stingrays. Integrative and Comparative Biology , 61 (2), 749-758.
  • Taniuchi, T., & Ishihara, H. (1990). Anatomical comparison of claspers of freshwater stingrays (Dasyatidae and Potamotrygonidae). Japanese Journal of Ichthyology , 37 (1), 10-16.
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How Dangerous Are Stingrays Really?