Himantura alcockii

Himantura alcockii, the pale-spot whip ray, is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. It is found in coastal regions including estuaries, in the Indian Ocean. As presently defined, it is probably a species complex.

Taxonomy

The species has had a chequered taxonomic history. The IUCN Red List still lists H. alcockii as a synonym of the Whitespotted whipray, which is now reallocated to Maculabatis.

Human interactions

Over 50% of the total ray catch landed at Mumbai consists of this species.

References

• Last, P.R. and L.J.V. Compagno, 1999. Dasyatididae. Stingrays. p. 1479-1505. In K.E. Carpenter and V.H. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 3. Batoid fishes, chimaeras and bony fishes part 1 (Elopidae to Linophrynidae). FAO, Rome.