Experts classify stingrays as docile creatures and when threatened, their primary reaction is to swim away. There have been only two recorded fatalities in Australia since 1945 and that includes Steve Irwin. They grow up to 39.4 in (100 cm) in length, and can have a wingspan up to 36 in (91.4 cm).
He works hard to promote ocean conservation through his dive center and share his passion for scuba diving with his students. The bluntnose stingray or Say's stingray (Dasyatis say, often misspelled sayi) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from the U.S. state of Massachusetts to Venezuela. But what is the best way to approach them?As divers, we should treat all creatures with the utmost respect. The bluntnose stingray or Say's stingray (Dasyatis say, often misspelled sayi) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from the U.S. state of Massachusetts to Venezuela.It is a bottom-dwelling species that prefers sandy or muddy habitats 1–10 m (3.3–32.8 ft) deep, and is migratory in the northern portion of its range. They do not attack aggressively or even actively defend themselves. With the extremely low number of fatal accidents and the non-fatal accidents occurring from human intervention, it can be said that Stingrays are not innately dangerous. Statistics have only recorded 17 stingray deaths worldwide. As its common name suggests, it has a blunt nose and its body only measures 31” (78 cm) across. Why doThe main reason behind the perception that stingrays are dangerous is the death ofMany believe that the attack was unprovoked, however one theory suggests that the Stingray believed that Irwin’s shadow was, in fact, a predator as his shadow mimicked that of a tiger shark.So was this accident a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is there more evidence to suggest that Stingrays are innately dangerous and we need to be cautious around these animals.According to Wikipedia, there are about 220 known Stingray species organized into 10 families. Snelson (Jr.) (1999). This will prevent you from stepping on them once you enter the water.● If you are lucky enough to spot a Stingray when scuba diving, do not crowd the ray. Experts believe that the combined position of Steve Irwin above the ray and the cameraman in front of the ray would have made the stingray feel trapped and triggered a defensive attack. The stingray has a strong whip-tail that can be about 45” (1.5 m) long. This small stingray is dark brown in color which provides great camouflage on the sandy or muddy ocean bottom. Typically growing to 78 cm (31 in) across, the bluntnose stingray is characterized by a rhomboid pectoral findisc with broadly rounded oute… Physical: The bluntnose stingray is a stingray species that’s yellow to light brown on top and white to grey on the belly. Leagues Ahead Diving dive all sites on Gran Canaria including the famous marine reserve, El Cabron.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24fA-wCBb-V9aqJuIPU29g
But instead, we need to be aware of how to interact correctly with these creatures. News spread that Steve was reportedly ‘’stabbed hundreds of times’’ which led to dozens of stingrays being mutilated as revenge for his death. Keep your distance and do not form a circle around the ray, remember we are invading their habitat.● If you are stung by a Stingray, rinse the wound in very hot water. James Bamsey is a PADI scuba diving instructor in Gran Canaria with Leagues Ahead Diving. With this being said non-fatal incidents do occur more frequently throughout the world.The habitat of a stingray is in shallow beach waters nestled beneath the sand where they feed primarily on clams, oysters, mussels and small fish. Once you step on the Stingray, it will then quickly whip its tail forward and down as an involuntary reflex action and strike the victim with its barb. Arguably one of the most exhilarating experiences when Scuba Diving or Snorkeling isSo why do we frequently get the question “are stingrays dangerous?” before a dive? More active at night than during the day when it is usually buried in sediment, the bluntnose stingray is a The whip-like tail measures over one and a half times as long as the disc and bears one or two long, serrated stinging spines on top, about a quarter of the tail length back from the base.The bluntnose stingray is not aggressive, though it will defend itself if stepped on or otherwise incited.