Stingray

STATION #4: Yes, this Stingray (Dasyatis americana) is a cousin to sharks, since both sharks and rays are in the same family called elasmobranchs. 

The Stingray has a "stinger," or spine where its tail joins its body.  The spine is used to stab the Ray's most common predator, the Hammerhead Shark.  In muddy coastal waters, a swimmer might not see the Ray and accidentally disturb it.  Then the Ray might stab the swimmer.  But don't worry; in the clear waters of Virgin Islands National Park, you'll be able to see Rays, and you can stay a healthy distance away.

Caroline Rogers

 

Look ahead of you! There's another kind of ray; check it out at station #5.