Members of the Dasyatidae are found in the warm-temperate and tropical continental seas worldwide. There are 8 known genera and 88 species worldwide. They are mainly marine. Several species are euryhaline and ascend rivers, while some species are confined to fresh water. They are mostly demersal in inshore, occurring on soft bottom in estuaries, lagoons, and enclosed and open bays. Their stinging spine, which is close to the tail base, is an effective defensive weapon, causing excruciating pain in human. All species are live-bearing. They feed mostly on benthic invertebrate.