The spotted stingaree (Urolophus gigas) is an uncommon species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, endemic to shallow waters along the coast of southern Australia.
This species can be readily identified by its nearly circular, dark-colored pectoral fin disc, adorned with a complex pattern of white or cream spots.
It is aplacental viviparous: female bear litters of up to 13 pups and supply them with histotroph ("uterine milk") during gestation.
Relatively inoffensive towards humans, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species under Least Concern, citing the overall low level of fishing activity across its range.
[1][4] The pectoral fin disc of the spotted stingaree is oval in shape and slightly longer than wide; it is more circular in juveniles.
[5] The tail measures 76–80% as long as the disc and is fairly thick, with an oval cross-section and no lateral skin folds.
The underside is white or nearly so; most individuals have dusky blotches and wide bands bordering the lateral disc margins.
Given that it is little threatened by human activity, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the spotted stingaree as of Least Concern.
The range of this species encompasses a number of small Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and it would potentially benefit from the implementation of the 2004 Australian National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.