Myliobatiformes

Myliobatiformes (), commonly known as stingrays, are one of the four orders of batoids, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They are members of the subclass elasmobranchs. They were formerly included in the order Rajiformes, but more recent phylogenetic studies have shown the Myliobatiformes to be a monophyletic group, and its more derived members evolved their highly flattened shapes independently of the skates.

== Characteristics == Myliobatiformes share physical characteristics of a long, thin tail with serrated spines and a pancake-like body. They share many characteristics with the batoid order Rajiformes, in which they were previously included. The key difference of the orders is the Myliobatiformes' single-lobed pelvic fin, lack of a mid-tail spine, and general lack of a dorsal fin. Myliobatiformes also possess stinging spines along the tail's base, and generally possess large pectoral fins that are completely fused (except Myliobatidae) to the head. They can camouflage themselves from predators using their flat, disk-shaped bodies to lie against the seafloor.