Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Myliobatiformes (Stingrays) >
Dasyatidae (Stingrays) > Dasyatinae
Etymology: marianae: Named for Mariana R. Oliveria, daughter of Otto B.F. Gadig.
Eponymy: Mariana Ramos de Oliveira Gadig is the daughter of Otto Gadig, the third author. She works as a microbiologist at Prefeitura Municipal de Santos, Brazil. She is also a psychologist in private practice. [Sketch modified on the request of M. Ramos herself]. (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 15 m (Ref. 36974). Tropical; 0°S - 19°S, 38°W - 45°W (Ref. 36974)
Southwest Atlantic: along the northeastern Brazilian coast, from the state of Maranhão to southern Bahia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 40.0 cm WD male/unsexed; (Ref. 36974)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
This medium-sized species of Dasyatis is distinguished by the following characters: horizontal diameter of eye nearly equal to interorbital width and spiracle length; its tail is relatively short, less than two times disk width, distally filiform, with dorsal and ventral finfolds, ending approximately on same vertical line; height of dorsal finfold 1.5-2 in height of ventral finfold; the dorsal surface of disc is yellowish brown, with dark blotch between spiracles and two pairs of dark scapular and precaudal blotches; margins of disc and pelvic fins are blue dorsally; the ventral surface of disc white, with two symmetrical pairs of dark markings in adults (Ref. 36974).
Body shape (shape guide): other; Cross section: flattened.
Apparently associated with coral or sandstone reefs of the northeastern Brazilian continental shelf. Two female specimens were collected from the stomach of Rachycentron canadum (Ref. 36974). Juveniles also occurred in sandy beaches and estuaries. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205). A gravid female aborted one fully formed embryo (Ref. 36974).
Gomes, U.L., R.S. Rosa and O.B.F. Gadig, 2000. Dasyatis marianae sp. n.: a new species of stingray (Chondrichthyes: Dasyatidae) from the southwestern Atlantic. Copeia 2000(2):510-515. (Ref. 36974)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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