An Encounter with the Oman Cownose Ray at the shore of Al Khan Beach, Sharjah

A pair of Cownose Rays on the shore

The distinct flattened body, a pair of fectoral fins, the long whip like tail

I was just relaxing on the sandy beach of the Al Khan Beach in Sharjah when I noticed a local fisherman approaching the shore with his catch. Curious to know what he has caught for his morning  exploits, I approached his kayak and inquired. The kindly old man revealed to me that he got a large milkfish, two medium-sized crabs and 3 Oman Cownose Rays! This is truly an awesome catch!

STINGRAYS ARE BONELESS FISHES

Stingrays or sea rays are cartilagenous fish related to sharks. They have flattened bodies which allows then to stay at the seafloor, while camouflaging itself away from predators as it hunts for its food on the bottom. A pair of eyes sits on top of its body while its mouth is on the bottom. To move around they have a pair of fectoral fins. 

The Oman Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera jayakari) is characterized by its distinct protruding cow nose like anterior.

STINGRAY DIET

The Cownose Ray feeds on clams, oysters, hard clams and other invertebrates. It uses the modified fins on its front side to produce a suction which allows food to be drawn in (suck into) its mouth, where it is crushed by a series of strong dental plates.   

STINGRAYS AND THEIR BARBS

The Oman Cownose Rays are armed with a whip-like tail that bears serrated toxin barb. If the stingray feels threatened it can lift its barbed tail upwards and injure potential predators or nearby persons. These barbs are VENOMOUS. The spine tips can break off, which can also result to infection. They are NOT AGGRESSIVE! Most sting ray attacks are due to rough handling during capture and when they are trapped or cornered. Approached this fish with CAUTION!

Its truly an awesome opportunity to see these elasmobranchs face-to-face. But it will be super amazing to see the Cownose Ray gliding freely on its natural sea habitat.  

Awesome creature. Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

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