The order Myliobatiformes includes a wide group of rays that are mainly benthic and pelagic, encompassing stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays. Found in all of the world’s oceans, from shallow coastal waters to open seas, they are characterized by their flattened, disc-shaped bodies and enlarged pectoral fins that form broad “wings” in some species. Many have slender tails equipped with one or more venomous stingers used for defense, although some species such as manta rays lack them. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from sandy and muddy seabeds to open pelagic zones, and display diverse lifestyles ranging from discreet bottom-dwelling behavior to active swimming in open water. Their diet is equally varied, ranging from benthic invertebrates and small fish to, in some species, plankton filtered from the water column.

The Urolophidae family includes small to medium-sized stingrays primarily found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These rays are characterized by a generally rounded disc-shaped body, a relatively short and sturdy tail often equipped with a venomous stinger, and a strictly benthic lifestyle. They inhabit sandy or muddy seabeds in coastal areas and along the continental shelf, where they partially bury themselves to camouflage and ambush their prey.