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. Most stingrays inhabit shallow coastal waters and can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. They use their pectoral fins to glide gracefully along the ocean floor, where they often camouflage themselves in the sand. Stingrays are generally peaceful creatures that feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They have a defensive mechanism in the form of a venomous spine located on their tails, which they use only when threatened. Despite their fearsome reputation, stingrays are not aggressive and prefer to avoid human contact.