November is upon us. Fall is here. A few swimmers have gone back to their wetsuits, but many are still enjoying warm water.
On some of these early a.m.s, I look forward to swimming back along Descanso Beach looking for critters. One of the most seen by residents is the rounded sting ray (urobatis helleri). This creature can be found from Northern California to Panama. It can be found in shallow, sandy areas, and is known to cause extremely painful stings to humans who accidentally step on it.
Its shape is subcircle to circular. Its top color is typically brownish, greyish with spots. Its underside is white or yellowish. Its tail is short, and thick with a venomous saw edge spine it uses as defense.
Popular spots on Catalina have been at Step Beach, Shark Harbor, and even Middle Beach. If one accidentally steps on the critter, very hot water is the best thing to use to ease the pain.
The hot water helps neutralize the venom. The pain from the venom can be intense and cause swelling and muscle cramps. SOAK the sting with the hottest water you can endure.
The female stingray bears litters between 1-6, with an average of 2-3 at a time. The gestation period is 3 months. The female stingray can store sperm year round. The females move inshore from April-June, giving birth between June and October. After giving birth, they move to deeper waters, and leave the young in the shallows.
The stingray is considered commercially undesireable, as well as to beach goers.
Don’t forget to shuffle.
Sea you at the stairs …
Tina Kennedy has resided in Avalon for more than 40 years, and manages Catalina Divers Supply. She loves swimming, diving, snorkeling, and paddling in the island’s waters. Contact her at info@catalinadiverssupply.com
