Getting stung by a freshwater stingray would result in unbearable, excruciating pain. Nearly 100% of injuries result in extensive tissue necrosis, deep ulcers, and long healing times. Injuries often lead to secondary infections, potential gangrene, and spontaneous amputations.
Predators are only at risk of getting stung if they attack, since the stingray only uses its tail in defense.
Venom could cause localized pain, paralysis, and muscle damage - which would discourage any further attack.
For smaller species, a sting could be fatal due to secondary infection, shock, or extensive nerve damage.
Stingrays could become a chronic health issue in low-resource, rural, indigenous areas since they are often neglected by public health systems.
Getting stung by a marine stingray would result in immediate and intense pain, erythema, and swelling, with about 75% of wounds resulting in some minor skin necrosis.
Injuries tend to be less deep than freshwater stings and usually occur on the hands or feet. Wounds often heal without any major long-term issues if treated properly.
Getting stung by a marine stingray can seriously injure or even kill predators (sharks, large bony fish, marine mammals) if provoked or attacked, since stingrays only use their tail in defense.
In densely populated areas such as reefs and seagrass beds, any sudden movement or defensive strike may accidentally injure a non-threatening fish or invertebrate nearby.
Marine stingrays could potentially reduce habitat quality for other organisms such as juvenile fish, invertebrates, and seagrass-dependent species.