The Ray's are VERY close relatives of the sharks, so close that they could be considered a type of shark since they are a different species of the same Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, and Genus. There are various orders, and sub classes involved, but lets keep it light. The Stingray hunts in the same way a shark does, mostly by feel, or electro-sensory perception. This is made possible by the use of the ampullae of lorenzini. These are small specialized electroreceptor organs that contain a kind of jell that helps sense the electro magnetic field of prey, which is useful since the Stingray can't see their prey.
While Ray teeth are seldom seen, some have been found and bare a strong resemblance to that of the sharks, formed in a similar manner. The Ray skin is so tough, it was used in the making of Japanese swords as the underlay on the hilt, since the braid wouldn't slide across it. They also mate in a similar fashion, the male biting the female to hold her still while he forces 1 of his 2, that's right 2, claspers inside her.
A Stingray's stinger can reach up to a foot in length, containing barbs that release as a defense mechanism, like a porcupine. The venom can cause irritation, swelling, cramps, and pain, but seldom death unless it catches the person in a sensitive area, like the chest, head, and artery, etc ( ie Steve Irwin) The Stingray's diet is primarily Mollusk's, so much so that they have had bounties set for their removal from areas where they have decimated the shell fish.
Considered the " Angels of the sea", the Ray's are much like their theological reference, seldom seen in real life, and sometimes the last thing you see.
I think I'll try for a double header tomorrow, because it's Friday and who wouldn't want a double the head?
Keep loose my freaky darlings, till next time.
