The long structures seen in manta rays and their relatives function as an early warning system, rather than a defensive ...

Stingray barbs contain a complex venom which can cause intense pain at the puncture site. Their stings are normally not fatal, but effects of the venom can include headaches, nausea and vomiting ...

Gillot said Carroll had a large gash to the right inner thigh near the groin and the 11cm barb from the stingray was protruding from the inner left side of his leg. “Both injuries to the legs ...

The giant freshwater stingray may be the world’s largest freshwater ... Each ray has a sharp barb on the base of its tail that can easily penetrate human skin and bone, much like a hunting ...

They can discuss what the barb is for and how this defends the stingray. They can then identify other animals that have adaptations for defending themselves against predators or threats.