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St John USVI Marine Life: Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana)
Southern stingrays are commonly found in St. John waters in sandy areas, sea grassbeds and around reefs. They are usually between three and four feet long, but can grow to be as long as five and a half feet. The southern stingray often lies on the bottom covering itself
with sand by flapping its large pectoral fins. This serves to protect
it from predators and from the rays of the sun. Because these stingrays
can be so well camouflaged and because their sting can be so painful,
it is a good idea to shuffle your feet (the sting ray shuffle) when
in areas where stingrays are abundant, especially if in murky waters.
In this way the stingray will be alerted and will get out of your
way.
Because the sting ray's gills are located on the underside of its body. When lying in the sand it uses the two holes near its eyes to breathe.
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