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Journal Article

First drone‐based in situ observation of mating behaviour in the Groovebelly Stingray ( D. hypostigma ) in the Southwestern Atlantic

R. M. Ferreira; N. L. F. Araujo; L. N. dos Santos; A. F. S. Rodrigues
Journal of Fish Biology · 2026

Abstract

We report the first in situ observation of mating behaviour in the endangered Groovebelly Stingray ( Dasyatis hypostigma ), endemic to the Southwestern Atlantic. Recorded by drone in May 2025 off Ilhabela, Brazil, the event involved one female and four males, lasting ~3 min and comprising close following and pre‐copulatory biting, without agonistic interactions. The interaction comprised a partial behavioural sequence of close following and pre‐copulatory biting, without agonistic interactions between males. This record provides novel insights into the species' reproductive strategy and highlights the value of non‐invasive drone surveys for elasmobranch research.

Bibliographic Information

JournalJournal of Fish Biology
PublisherWiley
Publication Date2026-07-02
Publication Year2026
Document TypeJournal Article
Print ISSN0022-1112
eISSN1095-8649
DOI10.1111/jfb.70539
SubjectGeneral Aquaculture, Fisheries & Fish Science

Access Information

NARA Access Coverage1997-01-01~Current
Journal Homepagehttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/loi/10958649
Publisher PageOpen Publisher Page
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