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Cartilaginous Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ELASMOBRANCHII

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Elasmobranchs Class (Elasmobranchii)

-Sharks and Rays (Subclass Neoselachii)

-Rays (Infraclass Batoidea)

-Stingrays (Order Myliobatiformes)

-American Round Rays (Family Urotrygonidae)

-Genus Urobatis

-Bullseye Round Stingray (Urobatis concentricus)


Urobatis concentricus, commonly known as the Bullseye Round Stingray, is a small benthic ray in the family Urotrygonidae. It is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly along the Pacific coast of Mexico, where it inhabits shallow coastal waters, sandy bays, and areas near rocky reefs. The Bullseye Round Stingray is primarily a bottom-dwelling predator, feeding on small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates it locates by sensing vibrations and electrical signals in the sediment. It often lies partially buried in sand during the day, both for concealment and ambush. Like other stingrays, it is generally non-aggressive and uses its venomous spine only defensively if stepped on or threatened.

Diet

  • Primarily feeds on polychaete worms, small crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, amphipods), molluscs, and other benthic invertebrates.

  • Occasionally consumes small fishes buried in the sediment.

  • Forages on sandy bottoms by detecting prey with electroreceptors and uncovering it with gentle movements of its disc.

Range

  • Endemic to the eastern Pacific Ocean, occurring from the Pacific coast of Mexico south through Central America to Panama.

  • In Mexico, it has been recorded from Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero (including the Zihuatanejo region), Oaxaca, and Chiapas.

Habitat

  • Inhabits shallow coastal waters, including sandy bays, lagoons, estuaries, mudflats, and protected beaches.

  • Usually found from the shoreline to depths of about 30 m (100 ft).

  • Frequently buries itself beneath sand, leaving only its eyes and spiracles visible while resting or waiting for prey.

Size

  • Disc width: Up to 25 cm (10 in)

  • Total length: Up to 40 cm (16 in)

  • Weight: Up to approximately 1 kg (2.2 lb)


Bullseye Round Stingray

Urobatis concentricus

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