Stingray, also called stingaree, is a ray, or flattish fish. Its long, whiplike tail has one or two sharp spines on the back of the tail near the middle. These spines have barbs along their edges, and at the base of the spines are poisonous glands. When bathers disturb or step on the stingray, it swings its tail upward. In this way, it causes a most painful wound that is nearly as dangerous as a poisonous snakebite.