- Brownish to yellow-brown on back and white underneath
- Snout pointed and projects forward
- Disc (body shape) width nearly equal to length; pectoral fins broadly rounded
- Row of spines along midline of the back to the origin of the tail spine
- Sharp defensive spine near base of long whip-like tail
- Dorsal and ventral fin folds present on tail which are light-brown or dusky in color
Habitat & Range
Bottom-dwelling species that inhabits coastal waters, including estuaries and lagoons. Known to tolerate low salinities and inhabit freshwater rivers of Florida.
Life History
Internal fertilization. The mother carries eggs inside her body until they hatch, after which, she gives live birth to the hatched pups (aplacental viviparity or ovoviviparity); one to four pups per litter.
