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Journalism of Courage
When you think of deadly creatures in the ocean, sharks or jellyfish probably come to mind. But few would expect the stingray to be among them.
Yet, in 2006, this very animal was responsible for one of the most shocking celebrity deaths of the 21st century, that of famed wildlife expert Steve Irwin, also known as The Crocodile Hunter, who died after being struck in the chest by a stingray’s barb. The incident shocked the world, but it was a rare and unfortunate accident, not a reflection of the stingray’s true nature.
Stingrays are not naturally aggressive and generally only sting in self-defence, usually when accidentally stepped on in shallow waters. Despite their name and their notorious tail spine, most stingrays are peaceful creatures simply going about their lives in the ocean or rivers.
Stingrays are a type of cartilaginous fish, meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone, much like their shark relatives. They have flat, round bodies and long tails, with some species carrying a venomous barb at the base.
Not all rays have stingers, though. Manta rays and devil rays, for instance, are completely harmless to humans.
Often described as resembling swimming pancakes, stingrays are known for their flat, wide bodies and trailing tails. Their stinger is hidden on the tail and acts as a defence mechanism.
Some species are also easily recognised by their distinctive patterns, such as bright blue spots or bold black-and-orange markings. Others, like the cownose ray, have unique facial shapes resembling animal features.
While many stingrays are modest in size, some are enormous. The smalleye stingray, found in the ocean, can grow up to three metres long, that’s longer than a king-sized bed.
The largest freshwater stingray, and in fact the biggest recorded freshwater fish, was caught in the Mekong River in 2022. It measured nearly four metres including its tail and weighed roughly 300 kilograms, around the same as an adult male tiger.
Stingrays are bottom feeders and enjoy a diet of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, along with molluscs such as oysters and clams. They have powerful jaws designed to crush hard shells and suction that allows them to hoover up prey from the ocean floor. Their bodies are equipped with specialised electrical sensors that help detect movements from hidden animals in the sand.
Stingrays are found in warm, tropical waters all around the world. They prefer shallow coastal areas where they can bury themselves under the sand for camouflage and protection. Some species, like the smalleye stingray, are known for long-distance migrations that can stretch hundreds of kilometres, sometimes tied to reproduction.
Freshwater stingrays also exist and thrive in river systems like the Amazon and the Mekong. These river dwellers are often just as fascinating as their saltwater cousins.
Despite their deadly reputation following Steve Irwin’s death, stingray stings are extremely rare and almost never fatal. Most injuries happen when people unknowingly step on one while walking in shallow water. The sting can be intensely painful and cause swelling, cramping, or dizziness, but death is very uncommon.
One of the safest ways to avoid stingray injuries is to do what divers call the “stingray shuffle”, dragging your feet lightly along the ocean floor instead of stepping directly down. This alerts hidden rays, giving them a chance to swim away before contact occurs.
Like many marine species, stingrays are under threat from human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction have all contributed to the decline of several stingray populations. Some species, including the Mekong and Chinese stingrays, are currently listed as endangered or critically endangered.
