Java Stingaree
Urolophus javanicus
The Java stingaree is an extinct species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, known only from a single female specimen 33 cm (13 in) long caught off Jakarta, Indonesia. This species is characterized by an oval-shaped pectoral fin disc longer than wide, and a tail with a dorsal fin in front of the stinging spine and a caudal fin.
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Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Elasmobranchii
Order
Myliobatiformes
Family
Urolophidae
Genus
Urolophus
Java Stingaree belongs to the family Urolophidae, order Myliobatiformes, within the Elasmobranchii class.
Species Profile
The Java stingaree is an extinct species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, known only from a single female specimen 33 cm (13 in) long caught off Jakarta, Indonesia. This species is characterized by an oval-shaped pectoral fin disc longer than wide, and a tail with a dorsal fin in front of the stinging spine and a caudal fin. It is brown above, with darker and lighter spots. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Java stingaree as Extinct; it has not been recorded since its discovery over 150 years ago, and its range is subject to heavy fishing pressure and habitat degradation.
The Java Stingaree faces severe threats primarily from intensive fishing pressure and habitat degradation in its limited range around Java and southern Indonesia. Bottom trawling and other fishing activities directly impact this benthic species, while coastal development and pollution degrade its shallow marine habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The Java stingaree has only been found in the Java Sea, perhaps in the vicinity of Jakarta. Its exact range, and depth and habitat preferences, are unknown but probably very restricted.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Java Stingaree faces severe threats primarily from intensive fishing pressure and habitat degradation in its limited range around Java and southern Indonesia. Bottom trawling and other fishing activities directly impact this benthic species, while coastal development and pollution degrade its shallow marine habitats.
Bottom trawling and destructive fishing practices
Coastal habitat degradation
Commercial and artisanal fishing pressure
Limited geographic range vulnerability
Marine pollution
Found in 1 Country
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Java Stingaree (Urolophus javanicus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/java-stingaree