Stingrays have flat bodies to blend in with the ocean floor and ambush their prey. They mostly stay buried in sand or mud and wait for their prey to come close before they strike. Their flat bodies allow them to remain hidden from predators and prey.
Swimming Efficiency
The flat body of a stingray also provides more surface area for its pectoral fins, which is advantageous for swimming efficiency. This broad disc shape makes it easier for stingrays to move quickly through the water and change direction rapidly, allowing them to hunt and escape predators more effectively.
Protection
The flat body can provide protection by deflecting potential attacks. Some stingrays have developed thicker and broader flat bodies that can act as a shield against predators such as sharks and large bony fish.
Evolutionary Adaptation
The evolution of a flat body in stingrays is the result of millions of years of adaptation to their specific ecological niche. Over time, those individuals with slightly flatter bodies were better at escaping predators and hunting prey, leading to a gradual increase in the prevalence of flat bodies in the stingray population.