Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca)

The only species of stingray found around Scotland or the UK (Gibson-Hall, 2018), the species is classed as vulnerable in Europe and worldwide (IUCN, 2021). They are described as ‘sparsely distributed in the North Sea’ by the Scottish Government (2011). This suggests that, despite their name, common stingray (Fig. 1) are rare in Scottish waters. They are distinguishable by their very long, thin tails, with a barbed spine on top (Shark Trust, 2020). 

The common stingray range stretches from Northern Europe, through the Mediterranean, and down the West African Coast (Fig. 2) (IUCN, 2021). In the lower latitudes of their range, common stingrays may be hunted on a small scale for artisan use (Shark Trust, 2020). Mostly the species sticks near to land but has been known to reach depths of 200m (Gibson-Hall, 2018).