This poster provides the key to identifying the most common species in Italy. You can download it from the Download page, along with other information sheets that will be added over time, in English, French and Italian
There are two species that you report most often, both protected: the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) and the rarer Roughtail stingray (Bathytoshia lata), a true giant that can exceed 2.5 meters in width! The pelagic stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) usually swims in the open sea but can come close to the coast in summer.
Stingrays are cartilaginous fish, like all sharks and rays. They live for over twenty years and are viviparous: females give birth to a few young after a gestation period of several months.
Observe them with respect: they are endangered animals, and many species are protected. And be careful: they have a serrated sting on their tail that they use to defend themselves.
