Horns on tail

[BillynJennifer]

What are the little horns or hooks that sometimes grow on our stingrays tails? I have a nice female Retic that has just recently started growing these little horns on her tail and my daughter asked what they were, and I couldn't remember.

 

[KNH]

I believe they are for defensive purposes. My large female motoro has developed a rather large spike towards the base of her tail.

 

[koi9]

I believe its a venemous spike that they use for protection.

 

[DIDYSIS]

I would agree defence, mostly so the tail does not get grabbed or bit

 

[scott s]

Dentacles.

 

[Alvin.C.1114]

Dentacles.

Lol

 

[turkeyboy85]

Correct. Denticles. Not poisonous

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[montyblue]

Correct. Denticles. Not poisonous

+1 Also known as placoid scales, they occur on elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). They are used for defense, and are technically modified teeth that occur on the outside of the body. Likewise, the barb is actually a modified, elongated dermal denticle.

 

[BillynJennifer]

Thank you. She has about 4 of these denticles growing in.