Mystery stingray/skate from Thailand

[bubblevision]

Saw this on the Boonsung wreck near Khao Lak in the Andaman Sea a few years ago. I've never been able to pinpoint what it is. For a long time I thought it was a skate (e.g. Raja sp.), but now I think it looks more like some of the freshwater Himantura sp. found in Thailand. But obviously this is salt water. Would appreciate any insight!

 

[ryan115]

My best guess would be a female Dasyatidae. Just from those shots I dont really feel confident bringing it down past family. Based on caudal, pelvic and body shape, I believe it eliminates Rajidae (Skates) and Urolophidae (Stingarees).

 

[bubblevision]

Thanks Ryan. Actually I've been digging further and it appears to fit Himantura imbricata ("scaly whipray" , formerly Himantura imbricatus) very well. Apparently they like estuarine habitats, and migrate between saltwater and freshwater, which fits well because the Boonsung wreck is not too far from a couple of estuaries.

 

[bubblevision]

I now understand from a ray expert that this is actually a very pregnant Himantura walga.