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Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrate > fishes > Order Rajiformes > Family Dasyatidae
Leopard whipray
Himantura undulata
Family Dasyatidae
updated Feb 11

Where seen? This spotted stingray is sometimes seen at Chek Jawa.

Features: A large ray that can grow to about 1.4m in diameter and 4m in total length. Body generally quadrangular with a broadly triangular snout in adults, more pointed in juveniles. Body colour of adults yellowish or brownish with dense pattern of dark rings (resembling a leopard's spots) on the body and tail. Juveniles are grey-brown with large black spots. In adults, the upper body is granular. Tail very long and slender, with alternative black and white bands after the sting. It does not have a skin fold on the tail. The female has a shorter tail with a bulbous end. It has 4-6 enlarged spear-like spines on the tail which can cause a painful wound by injecting a venom.

Human uses: It is sometimes taken in trawl catches.

Status and threats: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting, and loss of its preferred shallow water inshore habitats near mangroves.

A large dead one seen on the sand bar.
Chek Jawa, May 03

Broadly triangular snout.

Granular skin on adult.

Tail very long and slender.

Leopard whiprays on Singapore shores


Chek Jawa, Dec 10
Photo shared by Rene Ong on facebook.

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