Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Myliobatiformes
- Family
- Dasyatidae
- Genus
- Dasyatis
- Species
- matsubarai
Habitat
This species inhabits coastal waters of the northwestern Pacific Ocean, including areas around Japan, Russia, and the Sea of Japan. It prefers sandy or muddy substrates in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near rocky reefs or estuaries. These environments provide cover and abundant prey.
Diet
The pitted stingray primarily feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, and mollusks, along with occasional small fish. It uses its pectoral fins to stir up sediment and uncover prey, typically foraging at night or during low light conditions. Feeding behavior is opportunistic, adapting to available food sources in its benthic habitat.
Behavior
Pitted stingrays are primarily solitary and benthic, spending much of their time buried in sand or mud to ambush prey and avoid detection. They are nocturnal hunters, becoming more active at night, and exhibit territorial behavior when defending feeding areas. During the day, they often rest on the sea floor, using camouflage for protection.
Conservation Status
Listed as Data Deficient by IUCN.