Lobed stingaree

The lobed stingaree (Urolophus lobatus) is a common species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, endemic to southern Western Australia in shallow, inshore sand and seagrass habitats. This species is plain sandy in color above and has a broad, rounded pectoral fin disc. It is characterized by an enlarged, semicircular skin lobe of unknown function on the inner rim of each nostril. Its tail is slender, with lateral skin folds and a lance-like caudal fin but no dorsal fin. The maximum recorded width is 27 cm (11 in).
A benthic predator, the lobed stingaree feeds mostly on crustaceans, and to a much lesser extent on small bony fishes, polychaete worms, and molluscs. It is aplacental viviparous, with females typically bearing a single pup every October or November after a gestation period of ten months. Developing embryos are nourished by maternally produced histotroph ("uterine milk") after they exhaust their supply of yolk. In the northern portion of its range, the lobed stingaree is frequently caught incidentally by trawlers. Though it generally survives the experience, it has a tendency to abort its young when captures. However, this species is not greatly affected by human activity overall, and it has been listed under Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures