Stingrays

Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca)

• Size: Up to 1.4 meters across

• Appearance: Flat, rounded body with a long, whip-like tail containing a venomous spine

• Habitat: Sandy or muddy seabeds, often partially buried for camouflage

• Behavior: Generally shy and slow-moving; will swim away if disturbed

• Notes: Stingrays are an important part of the marine ecosystem in Crete. Divers should observe from a distance and avoid stepping on the seabed in sandy areas to prevent accidental encounters.

Stingrays are graceful and intriguing residents of Crete’s coastal waters, often found gliding smoothly over sandy or muddy seabeds in shallow bays and lagoons. Their flat, diamond-shaped bodies and long, whip-like tails allow them to move effortlessly, sometimes partially burying themselves in the sand to hide from predators or ambush prey. While stingrays possess a venomous barb on their tails used for defense, they are generally shy and avoid human contact. These gentle creatures play an important role in the marine ecosystem by helping control populations of small invertebrates and maintaining the health of the seabed. For divers and snorkelers, encountering a stingray in Crete’s clear waters is a captivating experience, offering a glimpse of the peaceful yet powerful life beneath the surface.