Can you tell the age of a stingray by the size of its tail spine?

No, the size of a stingray's tail spine is not a reliable indicator of its age. While the tail spine does grow as the stingray ages, there are many other factors that can influence its size, such as sex, species, and habitat. Additionally, the tail spine can break or regenerate, further complicating efforts to use it as a measure of age.

Instead, marine biologists typically use a combination of methods to estimate the age of stingrays, such as counting growth rings on the vertebrae, examining reproductive organs, and analyzing the chemistry of the otoliths (ear bones).

Stingrays are a diverse group of animals that can vary significantly in size, shape, and behavior. They are found in oceans and rivers around the world, and are known for their distinctive flattened bodies and long, whip-like tails that often have one or more venomous spines.