Stingrays are present in Hawaiian waters, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the islands’ marine ecosystems. These cartilaginous fish are part of the underwater landscape, adapting to the warm, clear conditions found throughout the archipelago. They play a role as bottom feeders in the local marine environment.
Stingray Species in Hawaiian Waters
Several ray species inhabit Hawaiian waters, with the broad stingray, also known as the Hawaiian stingray (Bathytoshia lata), being among the most common. This species has a diamond-shaped body, reaching a disc width of up to 5 feet. Its coloration exhibits counter-shading, with a brownish-black dorsal surface and a creamy white underside, aiding in camouflage against the seafloor. The broad stingray’s tail is long, often twice its body length, and features one to three venomous spines near its base.
Another notable species found in Hawaii is the spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari). These rays are identifiable by their dark bodies adorned with numerous white spots or rings. They possess a wide, diamond-shaped pectoral disc that can span over 9 feet and a long, whip-like tail, sometimes exceeding 16 feet in total length. Unlike the broad stingray, spotted eagle rays are active swimmers, often seen “flying” gracefully through the water rather than resting motionless on the seafloor. Their snout is distinctive, resembling a duck’s bill, and they also carry venomous spines on their tails.
Encounters and Safety
Stingrays in Hawaii are bottom-dwelling animals, often found in shallow, sandy areas or near reef edges, ranging from depths of 10 to over 130 feet. They frequently bury themselves in the sand, with only their eyes and spiracles exposed, making them difficult to spot. This camouflage serves as a defense mechanism against predators and as a way to ambush prey, which includes crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
Encounters with stingrays are not aggressive, as these animals primarily use their venomous barb for defense when threatened, often when accidentally stepped upon. To prevent stings when wading in shallow, sandy waters, perform the “stingray shuffle.” This involves slowly shuffling your feet along the bottom, which alerts hidden stingrays to your presence and gives them time to swim away. Wearing protective footwear, such as water shoes, can offer additional safety.
Should a sting occur, immediate first aid measures can help manage the injury. The wound should be thoroughly washed with fresh water, and direct pressure applied to control any bleeding. To help neutralize the venom and alleviate pain, immerse the affected area in hot water (between 110°F to 113°F) for 30 to 90 minutes. Do not attempt to remove any visible spine fragments from the wound, as these are often barbed and could cause further tissue damage. Seek medical attention promptly after a sting, particularly if the pain is severe, swelling increases, or the sting is located on the neck or chest.
Distinguishing Stingrays from Manta Rays
Visitors to Hawaii often confuse stingrays with manta rays, though they have distinct differences in appearance and behavior. A primary distinction is size; stingrays can reach a width of up to 6 feet, while manta rays are much larger, with wingspans exceeding 20 feet. Manta rays also have prominent cephalic lobes or “horns” on either side of their head, which are absent in stingrays.
Another key difference is the placement of their mouths and feeding strategies. Stingrays have mouths on the underside of their bodies, which they use to feed on benthic organisms found on or within the seafloor. In contrast, manta rays are filter feeders, with mouths positioned at the front edge of their bodies, enabling them to efficiently consume plankton as they swim through open water.
Tail characteristics also provide clear differentiation. Most stingray species possess one or more venomous barbs near the base of their long, whip-like tails, used for defense. Manta rays, however, do not have a stinging barb on their tails, making them harmless to humans. Manta rays are in continuous motion, gliding through the open ocean, while many stingrays are bottom dwellers that can rest motionless on the seafloor, often partially buried in sand.