Large stingray spotted just off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard
A large stingray was spotted in shallow water just off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard Sunday.
Louisa McCullough, a Hingham teen, spotted the stingray 50 yards off the shoreline, according to a release from the New England Aquarium. McCullough captured the creature on camera, and the aquarium later identified it as a roughtail stingray.
While the population of roughtail stingrays in the area is considered stable, they’re rarely seen close to shore in shallow waters, according to the release. Typically, the species prefers to dwell between 30 and several hundred feet beneath the surface near dark and muddy spaces where they can blend in. There, they burrow into the sand in search of food.
With wingspans of up to seven feet, these large rays can weigh hundreds of pounds and have defensive barbs on their long tails, according to the aquarium. Despite their size, the rays generally don’t pose a threat to people.
Watch the video of the stingray below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8pozUjb7fM
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