Myliobatiformes

Myliobatiformes (Template:IPAc-en), commonly known as stingrays, are one of the four orders of batoids, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They are members of the subclass elasmobranchs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They were formerly included in the order Rajiformes, but more recent phylogenetic studies have shown the myliobatiformes to be a monophyletic group, and its more derived members evolved their highly flattened shapes independently of the skates.<ref name="nelson">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Characteristics

Myliobatiformes share physical characteristics of a long, thin tail with serrated spines<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and a pancake-like body.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> They share many characteristics with the batoid order Rajiformes, in which they were previously included.<ref name=":0" /> The key difference of the orders is the Myliobatiformes' single-lobed pelvic fin, lack of a mid-tail spine, and general lack of a dorsal fin.<ref name=":0" /> Myliobatiformes also possess stinging spines along the tail's base, and generally possess large pectoral fins that are completely fused (except Myliobatidae) to the head.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> They can camouflage from predators by using their flat, disk-shaped bodies to lie against the seafloor. <ref name=":0" />

Classification

File:Porcupine ray from Lakshadweep JJH edit.jpg

Camouflaged porcupine ray

Myliobatiformes is classified as follows in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes:<ref name="ECoF">Template:Cite web</ref>

• Family Zanobatidae Fowler. 1934 (panrays)
• Family Hexatrygonidae Heemstra & M. M. Smith, 1980 (sixgill stingrays)
• Family Dasyatidae D. S. Jordan & Gilbert, 1879 (whiptail stingrays)
  • Subfamily Dasyatinae D. S. Jordan & Gilbert, 1879 (stingrays)
  • Subfamily Neotrygoninae Castelnau, 1873 (shortsnout stingrays)
  • Subfamily Urogymninae Gray, 1851 (whiprays)
  • Subfamily Hypolophinae Stromer, 1910 (cowtail stingrays)
• Family Potamotrygonidae Garman, 1877 (neotropical stingrays)
  • Subfamily Styracurinae Carvalho, Loboda & da Silva 2016 (whiptail stingrays)
  • Subfamily Potamotrygoninae Garman 1877 (river stingrays)
• Family Urotrygonidae McEachran, Dunn & Miyake, 1996 (American round stingrays)
• Family Gymnuridae Fowler, 1934 (butterfly rays)
• Family Plesiobatidae K. Nishida, 1990 (deepwater stingrays or giant stingarees)
• Family Urolophidae J. P. Müller & Henle 1841 (round stingrays or stingarees)
• Family Aetobatidae Agassiz, 1858 (pelagic eagle rays)
• Family Myliobatidae Bonaparte 1835 (eagle rays)
• Family Rhinopteridae D. S, Jordan & Evermann, 1896 (cownose rays)
• Family Mobulidae Gill, 1893 (mantas or devil rays)

Template:NotelistThe family Aetobatidae is recognised by some authorities. It contains the genus Aetobatus, which is otherwise part of Myliobatinae. <ref name="WhiteNaylor2016">Template:Cite journal</ref>

The families Myliobatidae and Rhombodontidae are sometimes grouped in their own superfamily, Myliobatoidea.<ref name="Hoganson2019">Template:Cite journal</ref>