An x-ray of an H. gomesi reveals the hundred-plus strands of cartilage that extend out in all directions from the center of the stingray like beams of sunlight, giving the new genus its name—Heliotrygon is Greek for “sun stingray.”
Although both new stingray species have been popular in the pet trade, they usually die quickly in captivity—mostly because they require massive quantities of live fish to eat, Lovejoy said.
