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Species · Lookalikes

Atlantic StingrayorSouthern Stingray

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of an Atlantic Stingray (Hypanus sabinus), seen from above, on a white background
Atlantic StingrayHypanus sabinus
Studio photograph of a Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus), seen from above, on a white background
Southern StingrayHypanus americanus

Rules for both fish from 1 state rulebooks, checked Oct 29, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Atlantic Stingray

Small tan ray with a pointed, spade-shaped snout and a barbed whip tail.

Southern Stingray

Classic diamond ray, whip tail with barb.

Southern stingray, next to Atlantic stingray: much bigger, sharply angular disc corners.

Side by side

Atlantic StingraySouthern Stingray
Scientific nameHypanus sabinusHypanus americanus
Also called——
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record10.75 lb · Texas (1994)246 lb · Texas (1998)
On the tableWings are edible; most go back.Wings are edible; watch the barb.
Rules of its own in1 states1 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

Where either fish has a rule, the two are regulated the same. The name still goes in the log and on the tally.

StateAtlantic Stingray: size · bag · seasonSouthern Stingray: size · bag · season
AlabamaNo size limit3 per personOpen year-roundOpenAL MRD 2026 · checked No size limit3 per personOpen year-roundOpenAL MRD 2026 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, Atlantic stingray or southern stingray, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell Atlantic stingray from southern stingray?

Atlantic Stingray: Small tan ray with a pointed, spade-shaped snout and a barbed whip tail. Southern Stingray: Classic diamond ray, whip tail with barb. Southern stingray, next to Atlantic stingray: much bigger, sharply angular disc corners.

Which gets bigger, Atlantic stingray or southern stingray?

Southern Stingray. The heaviest state record we hold is 246 lb in Texas; the heaviest Atlantic stingray record is 10.75 lb in Texas.

Which is better to eat, Atlantic stingray or southern stingray?

Atlantic Stingray: Wings are edible; most go back. Southern Stingray: Wings are edible; watch the barb.

Do Atlantic stingray and southern stingray have the same limits?

Yes, in every state that regulates either one. The table on this page lists each rule with its source and check date.