They are named after the barbed stinger (actually a modified dermal denticle) on their tail, which is used exclusively in self-defense. The stinger may reach a length of approximately 35 cm, and its underside has two grooves with venom glands. The stinger is covered with a thin layer of skin, the integumentary sheath, in which the venom is concentrated. Some species have several stingers, whilst others lack a stinger entirely.

During times of slavery around the Horn of Africa, whips were made from the tail (stinger) of big stingrays, and it was said that these inflicted especially cruel cuts, so bad in fact that the British colonial administration in Aden were forced to ban it's use. In former Spanish colonies a Stingray is called raya làtigo ("whip ray").

The Stingray shape is oblate resembling the lotus leaf and it's weight can vary greatly - from one or two kilograms up to a hundred kilograms. The Stingray skin can display different patterns such as that of tiger and leopard and may also have white or black spots. Colors may vary from deep grey, coffee, ashen red to other various shades.

Stingray meat is indeed edible and quite delicious. Generally the most prized parts of the stingray are the wings (flaps is the proper terminology), the "cheek" (the area surrounding the eyes), and the liver. It's bones are very soft and can we easily chewed. The rest of the Stingray is considered too rubbery to have any culinary uses.

 

Our oceans holds many different species of Stingray, but only seven to eight types that can be used in manufacturing Skins and Stingray Leather Products. 

 

One interesting specie is called "Back Pearl" and it's shape may be both rectangular, square or round. There are two main characteristics of the "Back Pearl" specie, one has a single big "pearl" in the centre, and is called “Single Pearl” Stingray, the other has a row of "pearls" along the skin and is called "Row Stone" Stingray. Their colors are also different, displaying white, yellow, light red, and purple red colors.


 

Due to it's superior durability Stingray skin was used as an under layer for the cord (known as ito in Japanese) on traditional Japanese swords due to its hard, rough, texture that kept the braided wrap from sliding on the handle during use. Today, Stingray leather are used to manufacture a range of  exotic and exclusive products such as shoes, boots, belts, wallets, handbags, briefcases, watchbands, jackets, iPhone and iPad cases. and various other small leather goods and accessories. 

Also, Stingray leather is used as motorcycle and automobile accessories as exclusive and highly durable seat covers.