Stingrays are flat, cartilaginous fish belonging to the family Dasyatidae. They are known for their distinctive shape, with wide, flattened bodies and long, whip-like tails. Stingrays inhabit warm coastal waters and can often be found buried in sand on the ocean floor. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. These creatures are equipped with a venomous spine located on their tails, which they use for defense against predators. While stingray stings can be painful, they are generally not aggressive and will only sting when threatened. Stingrays play an important role in marine ecosystems by helping to control the populations of their prey.