Round Stingray
Round Stingray (Urobatis halleri)
Among the many marine inhabitants around the Punta Banda peninsula, the Round Stingray (Urobatis halleri) is one beachgoers should be familiar with. Despite their generally docile nature, Round Stingrays have a venomous spine on their tail, which they use for defense. Most stingray injuries occur when a person accidentally steps on a buried stingray in shallow waters, prompting it to sting in self-defense. To avoid such encounters, it is advisable for beachgoers to shuffle their feet in the sand while wading in shallow waters, a technique known as the "stingray shuffle."
Round Stingrays are well-adapted to the sandy and muddy bottoms of the Punta Banda peninsula. They often bury themselves in the sand to camouflage from predators and to ambush prey. Their ability to blend into their surroundings makes them a common, yet often unseen, resident of the coastal waters.
These stingrays primarily feed on benthic invertebrates such as worms, shrimp, and small mollusks. Interestingly, they have electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini that are tiny gel-filled pores located around their mouths, which help them detect the electrical signals emitted by the muscles and nerves of their prey. This ability allows stingrays to hunt effectively, even in murky waters where visibility is low.
While Round Stingrays are present in the Punta Banda vicinity year-round, they are more frequently encountered in the warmer months when they come closer to shore for breeding and feeding. During the cooler months, they tend to move to slightly deeper waters where the temperature is more stable. This seasonal pattern is particularly evident in the waters around Punta Banda, where water temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year.
So remember the “stingray shuffle” and may you have a glimpse of this fascinating local native when you wade into the shallow local waters. If you forget to shuffle and are stung, however, If you get stung by a Round Stingray, it's important to act quickly to minimize pain and prevent infection. Here are the steps you should follow:
Clean the wound: Rinse the sting site with salt water to remove any debris. Avoid using fresh water initially as it can increase pain.
Control bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding.
Soak in hot water: Immerse the affected area in hot water (110°F to 115°F or 43°C to 46°C) for 30 to 90 minutes. The heat helps to neutralize the venom and alleviate pain.
Remove any spines: If there are any visible stingray spines in the wound, carefully remove them. If the spine is deeply embedded, seek medical help.
Disinfect and bandage: After soaking, clean the wound with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage.
Monitor for infection: Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.
It's also important to get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one recently. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately.
