They have a flat, wide body with a grey upper part and a white lower part.
Its snout is elongated and pointed; at the base of its head are the holes it uses for breathing and in the middle of its body it has a stinger.
It has a long and very thin tail.
As for its size, it can measure up to 2.1 metres wide and can weigh around 20 kilograms.
It is usually found at depths of no more than 200 metres, although it can be seen in deeper areas.
It is a carnivorous species that feeds mainly on molluscs, fish and crustaceans.
It is an ovoviviparous species, which can give birth to 5 or 7 young for each clutch of eggs, and its gestation period lasts 4 months.
It is not afraid of divers and bathers and its sting can be fatal. In ancient times, there was a great fear of its venom.
It is found on sandy bottoms and is often seen half-buried or scavenging in the sand in search of small crustaceans and to pass unnoticed by prey and predators.
With a wave-like movement of its fins it stirs up the sandy bottom which then falls on it, providing it with an effective hiding place.
In the months of April and May it is common to see a multitude of females with bulging bodies full of small young inside. Abades is a place where they are commonly seen.
It has a powerful sting on its tail that can cause an accident to an unrespectful diver.