The stingray is a cartilaginous fish related to sharks. The earliest representatives appeared during the Jurassic, approximately 200–145 million years ago, and living species exist today. Stingrays favour shallow water and spend much of their time concealed in sand or mud, leaving only their eyes, dorsal openings and tail with its venomous spine visible.
The stingray feeds mainly on small marine creatures, mollusks, and crustaceans, which it digs out of the sand. Larger species also consume dead fish or cuttlefish. The stingray's mouth is located on the ventral side of its head. Using its blunt, wide teeth arranged in multiple rows, it crushes the shell of its prey. While foraging, its coloration provides perfect camouflage in its surroundings, and locomotion is achieved through the undulating motion of its pectoral fins.
Just like sharks, stingrays have changed very little over time and are similar to their prehistoric relatives.
