Sandy beaches and coral reef patches, shallow estuaries, lagoons/Indo-West Pacific, from South Africa to northern Australia
Size: Up to 6.5 ft. • Weight: Up to 265 lbs.
The Reticulate Whipray is one of about 20 species of rays and goes by several names, including the Leopard Ray and Honeycomb Stingray. All of these names were derived from the unique pattern of dark spots and lines on their backs (or dorsal side), which look like an intricate maze.
The Reticulate Whipray is a nocturnal bottom-dweller that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and bivalves like clams and oysters. They use their whip-like tails to stir up the sand and expose prey before capturing their next meal with their mouths. These rays are also equipped with a spine-chilling stinger at the base of their tails that they use for self-defence in the wild. The venom this spine produces is not lethal to humans but can cause intense pain and swelling.
Spot these ray-markable creatures in The Tropics exhibit during your next visit to Vancouver Aquarium!
Types
The Tropics gallery showcases coral reefs, mangrove forests, rivers and lakes near the equator. Some of this gallery’s highlights include colourful tropical fishes, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks.
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