A Cowtail Stingray filters through the sand sifting out any crustaceans, molluscs, worms and dead fish. When feeding they will press their dorsal fins onto the bottom and create a sucking force with their mouths which pulls their prey in, where they then crush it with their plate like teeth. As this stirs up the sand, you will commonly find other fish hanging around rays and feeding on any animals disturbed by the 'ocean vacuum cleaners'.