Author: (Fabricius, 1775)
FBname: Cowtail stingray
Remark: This species which is similar to <i>Pastinachus ater</i>, an Indo-West Pacific species, is found only in Northwestern Indian Ocean. Erroneous information will be deleted.
Comments: Found in lagoons, reef flats, and reef faces (Ref. 12951).  Also in rivers far from the sea (Ref. 5578).  Feeds on bony fishes, worms, shrimp, and crabs (Ref. 12951).  Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449).  Adults are sometimes accompanied by remoras or members of the trevally family (Ref. 6871).  Size at birth about 18 cm WD or larger (Ref. 6871).  Flesh utilized as food and skin used for polishing wood (Ref. 4832).  Possibly caught by sports anglers (Ref. 5578).  Recently there is a targeted fishery on this species for its skin, which is used as 'shagreen' in fashion accessories, from wallets to fancy pens; as a result, the species is in danger of disappearance (IHT 26.11.2005, p.5).  Maximum length about 300 cm TL (Ref. 30573).