Category: Fish
The blue-spotted stingray is generally found in Indonesia to Japan, and south to Northern Australia. They are popular aquarium fish that grow to a size of about 17 inches in diameter. They are unique in that they don’t usually bury themselves in the sand to hide from predators. While most animals avoid them due to their poisonous barbs, orcas and hammerhead sharks are two known predators of blue-spotted stingrays.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
