Sting ray swimming

Stingrays are unique fish that propel themselves through the water with an up-and-down motion of their wide, flat pectoral fins, which function essentially as wings. Their tail moves side-to-side and is largely used for steering rather than propulsion.

When swimming, a stingray makes a gentle wave-like beating movement with its fins to generate lift. They contract the muscles on the top of their fins to flap downwards. When the fins reach the bottom of the stroke, they relax, then rapidly contract the muscles on the underside of the fins to flap back up.

Stingrays have a flying-like movement as they angle the leading edges of their fins upwards and downwards in a flapping motion to gain lift. They appear to fly smoothly and gracefully through the water. Some species of rays can even jump straight up and out of the water and glide for many yards before landing. This unique, undulating swimming technique allows stingrays to maneuver effectively through aquatic environments to find food and avoid predators. Their flexibility helps them fit into small spaces and gives them agility to perform rapid turns and rolls.