Description:
Southern stingrays are the largest rays along the southern U.S. coast, and can reach 6 feet in diameter across the disc.  The disc is rhomboid in shape, forming rounded corners at the tips of the pectoral fins and the front of the snout.  A ridge of low spines is present mid-dorsally and along the shoulder area.  The tail is elongate and bears a venomous spine near the base.  A cutaneous fold is present on the underside of the tail.  The pectoral fins are expanded and lie in front of the mouth, which is on the ventral surface.  No dorsal fin is present.  Body color is typically gray or brown dorsally, white ventrally.  This species is considered harmful to humans due to the venomous spine on the tail.  Though southern stingrays are generally peaceful fishes, when perturbed, they lash at perceived attackers with the tail and can inflict painful wounds.

Habitat:
Southern stingrays inhabit shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, typically over sandy or muddy bottoms. 

Similar Species:
Small southern stingrays can be confused with a related species, the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina.  They can be distinguished by the shapes of the snout and pectoral fins.  In southern stingrays, the snout and tips of the pectoral fins come to rounded corners.  In the Atlantic stingray, the snout is sharply pointed, while the pectoral fins are widely rounded. 

Range:
Southern stingrays range from New Jersey south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.  They tend to be less common north of North Carolina.