They might look similar underwater… but stingrays and sharks are not the same at all!
If you’re planning a Similan Islands tour from Khao Lak or snorkeling around the Surin Islands, you might wonder: Are stingrays just flat sharks? It’s a common question from travelers joining our Thailand snorkeling tours, and the answer is simple — no, they’re not the same.
Let’s break it down.
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🧬 What Do Stingrays and Sharks Have in Common?
Both stingrays and sharks belong to the Chondrichthyes class, meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bone. That’s one reason why they move so gracefully in water.
Here’s what else they share:
- Multiple gill slits (usually 5–7)
- Dermal denticles – skin that feels rough like sandpaper
- Apex or mid-level predators in marine ecosystems
- No swim bladders (unlike bony fish)
But despite the shared family tree, stingrays and sharks have very different lifestyles.
📏 Stingray vs Shark: Key Differences
| Feature | Shark | Stingray / Manta Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Torpedo-like | Flat, disc-shaped |
| Mouth Position | Under snout | On the underside |
| Pectoral Fins | Separate from head | Fused to head (like wings) |
| Tail | Long, muscular | Flat or with venomous stinger |
| Behavior | Some can be aggressive | Usually calm and bottom-dwelling |
| Habitat | Open waters, reefs | Sandy bottoms, reef edges |
So no — stingrays aren’t “just flat sharks.” They evolved differently and fill their own ecological niche.
🌊 Where to See Stingrays and Sharks in the Andaman Sea
Love Andaman offers eco friendly island tours where you can safely observe these amazing creatures in the wild.
🛥️ Similan Islands Tour from Khao Lak
- Spot majestic manta rays during deeper dives
- Occasionally see reef sharks gliding near coral formations
🐠 Surin Islands Snorkeling Tour
- Look out for blue-spotted stingrays hiding in the sand
- Visit Moken Village to learn about traditional sea life
🌿 James Bond Island Eco Tours
- Explore marine ecosystems while respecting wildlife
- Travel with guides trained in sustainable tourism practices
🌟 Types of Rays You Might Encounter
- Stingray
- Has a venomous stinger for defense
- Often buries in sand during the day
- Calm and harmless if not threatened
- Manta Ray
- No stinger — completely harmless
- Can grow up to 6 meters wide
- Feeds on plankton and loves open water
- Sometimes seen around cleaning stations
- Giant Freshwater Stingray(Not marine)
- Found in Thai rivers, not the sea
- Can weigh over 500 kg
- Considered the largest freshwater fish
- Critically endangered due to human activity
💡 Why It Matters: Respect Every Species
Understanding the difference between rays and sharks helps us protect them. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Don’t chase, touch, or feed rays and sharks
- Never step on the sand blindly — rays may be resting beneath
- Choose tours with conservation values, like Love Andaman
Seeing a stingray or reef shark in the wild is thrilling — and it doesn’t need to be scary. These animals are not villains; they’re vital parts of the food chain and marine biodiversity.
📞 Plan Your Trip with Love Andaman
Ready to explore the underwater world and spot a stingray or reef shark on your next trip?
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Book your Thailand snorkeling tour today — the Andaman Sea is calling!