| Pitted stingray | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Myliobatiformes |
| Family: | Dasyatidae |
| Genus: | Dasyatis |
| Species: | D. matsubarai
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dasyatis matsubarai (Miyosi, 1939)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Bathytoshia brevicaudata | |
The pitted stingray (Dasyatis matsubarai) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, endemic to the waters around Japan and the Sea of Japan. It typically found near the coast at depths of 40–60 m (130–200 ft), but may also venture into the open sea. Measuring up to 2 m (6.6 ft) across, the pitted stingray has a diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc with a characteristic W-shaped groove on the underside. The total length including the tail has a record of 2.8 m (9.2 ft). Other identifying characteristics of this species include its dark gray dorsal coloration with small white spots, and the presence of dorsal tubercles in adults. Pitted stingrays are caught as bycatch in coastal fisheries and brought to market. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) does not yet have sufficient data to assess this species beyond Data Deficient. This species is now regarded as a population of the Short-tail stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata).
- ^ Compagno, L.J.V.; H. Ishihara; S. Tanaka & A. Orlov (2007). "Dasyatis matsubarai". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007. Retrieved January 9, 2010.