- Color is brownish on back (grayer in juveniles) and white underneath
- Disk (body shape) broadly angular (rhomboid) with pointed corners
- Snout moderately pointed, does not project forward
- Sharp defensive spine near base of long whip-like tail
- Well-developed ventral fin fold on tail, usually brown to black in color
- Dorsal fin-fold absent on tail
Habitat & Range
Bottom-dwelling, coastal species common in oceanic beaches, bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Generally found near shore on grass and sand/mud flats but does venture into deeper coastal waters up to ~200 feet.
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); up to seven pups per litter.
