Hypanus marianae (Gomes, Rosa & Gadig, 2000)
Brazilian large-eyed stingray
Hypanus marianae
photo by Sazima, I.

Family:  Dasyatidae (Stingrays), subfamily: Dasyatinae
Max. size:  40 cm WD (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 2 - 15 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: along the northeastern Brazilian coast, from the state of Maranhão to southern Bahia.
Diagnosis:  This medium-sized species of Dasyatis is distinguished by the following characters: horizontal diameter of eye nearly equal to interorbital width and spiracle length; its tail is relatively short, less than two times disk width, distally filiform, with dorsal and ventral finfolds, ending approximately on same vertical line; height of dorsal finfold 1.5-2 in height of ventral finfold; the dorsal surface of disc is yellowish brown, with dark blotch between spiracles and two pairs of dark scapular and precaudal blotches; margins of disc and pelvic fins are blue dorsally; the ventral surface of disc white, with two symmetrical pairs of dark markings in adults (Ref. 36974).
Biology:  Apparently associated with coral or sandstone reefs of the northeastern Brazilian continental shelf. Two female specimens were collected from the stomach of Rachycentron canadum (Ref. 36974). Juveniles also occurred in sandy beaches and estuaries. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 July 2019 (A2cd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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