The leopard whipray primarily occurs in the Indo-West Pacific and lives on the inner continental shelf in tropical waters. Few rays sport such a striking pattern as the leopard whipray. The entire upper surface, including half of the tail, is covered in a pattern of circular brown to black rings resembling a leopard’s fur. Its tail tapers to a fine point, like a whip, giving an elegant bearing to this unique ray.

This species can grow to at least 13 feet (4.1 m) in length and 5 feet (1.4 m) in width. The leopard whipray feeds on crabs, shrimp and shelled invertebrates. When resting, the leopard whipray will cover itself in sand for extra camouflage.This species is ovoviviparous, meaning that it develops within eggs that remain within the mother's body up until they hatch.

Be sure to check out the leopard whipray in the Ocean Voyager exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium.

• The leopard whipray is ovoviviparous, meaning that it develops within eggs that remain within the mother's body up until they hatch.
• When resting, the leopard whipray will cover itself in sand for extra camouflage.
• This species appears as by-catch in trawl nets, deep gill nets and hook and line fisheries.
• It is of minor commercial importance in some locations.
• The adult leopard whipray is similar in appearance to the honeycomb stingray (Himantura uarnak).

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