description Six-gilled Stingray (Hexatrygon bickelli) Overview
The six-gilled stingray (Hexatrygon bickelli) is a rare species of deep-sea ray and the sole extant member of the family Hexatrygonidae. It is uniquely characterized by having six pairs of gill slits, unlike the five pairs found in all other living rays. Inhabiting the deep waters of the Indo-Pacific region, this batoid also features a long, bulbous snout and a flattened body. Its specialized anatomical traits distinguish it significantly from other stingray families.
help Six-gilled Stingray (Hexatrygon bickelli) FAQ
Why does the six-gilled stingray have its name?
Hexatrygon bickelli has six pairs of gill slits, a feature that separates it from other living rays, which normally have five pairs. The name Hexatrygon reflects this unusual six-gilled anatomy.
What is unusual about the taxonomy of Hexatrygon bickelli?
It is the sole living member of the family Hexatrygonidae. That makes the species taxonomically distinctive as well as rare in the deep sea.
Where does the six-gilled stingray live?
It is a deep-sea ray associated with deep water rather than shallow coastal reefs. Its habitat and rarity make direct observations difficult.
Is the six-gilled stingray a shark?
No, it is a ray, which is a cartilaginous fish related to sharks but with a flattened body and broad pectoral fins. Hexatrygon bickelli is notable for its six pairs of gill slits.
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