Pelagic Stingray

The pelagic stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) is highly unusual because it lives an entirely pelagic lifestyle in the open ocean, rather than living on the sea floor. Most other stingrays are benthic and bury themselves in the sand.

This species is found in both tropical and temperate seas across the globe, including the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They are highly migratory and frequently travel across vast stretches of open water.

They are easily recognized by their distinct, uniformly dark purple or deep violet coloration on top. Their bodies are relatively broad, and they possess a long, whip-like tail equipped with a venomous spine.

Because they live in the water column, their diet consists mostly of open-ocean prey rather than bottom dwellers. They primarily hunt small pelagic fish, squid, and various types of planktonic crustaceans.