What is a Group of Stingrays Called?

In the vast, blue expanses of our oceans, few sights are as mesmerizing as thousands of stingrays gliding in perfect unison. While you might expect them to be called a "school" like their fishy cousins, the natural world has a much more evocative term for this spectacle. 

The curiosity around what a group of stingrays is called has peaked in 2026 as the IUCN and CITES recently upgraded protections for various ray species. It mainly highlights the critical importance of their mass gatherings.

Whether they are migrating through the Sea of Cortez or huddling in the coastal shallows of Mozambique, understanding the social behavior of a group of stingrays offers a window into their survival. Especially if you are one of the many nature enthusiasts and divers, knowing the right terminology is the first step in appreciating these flying tortillas of the sea.

What is a Group of Stingrays Called in English?

In the English language, the most widely accepted and scientifically recognized term for a group of stingrays is called a fever. While you might occasionally hear people refer to them as a "school" or a "fleet," those terms are more generic.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the term fever specifically captures the essence of stingrays when they move together. Interestingly, these groups aren't permanent. 

Stingrays are largely solitary hunters that use their electroreception to find prey buried in the sand. They only group up for specific biological reasons, such as:

• Mating Rituals: To find suitable partners in the vast ocean.

• Migration: For safety in numbers while traveling long distances.

• Socializing: Particularly in species like the Manta or Cownose ray.

Why a Group of Stingrays is Called a Fever

The term fever of stingrays doesn't refer to their body temperature. Instead, it describes the frantic, high-energy atmosphere created when hundreds, or even thousands, of rays congregate in one place. According to marine biologists at the Reef-World Foundation, the term stems from the feverish or frenetic activity seen during these events.

When thousands of wings flap in perfect chaos, the water shimmers or boils. This makes you feel very excited. Researchers using 3D drone modeling have found that these fevers are important for the ecosystem. 

During a fever pitch feeding event, the large number of rays moving sand can move thousands of tons of sediment, which makes the ocean floor more oxygen-rich for other animals.

Also Read - What is a Group of Zebras Called?

Other Interesting Collective Nouns for Marine Animals 

The ocean is full of quirky vocabulary that reflects the personality of its inhabitants. If you found fever interesting, check out these other official collective nouns for marine life:

Also Read - What is a Group of Horses Called?

Witnessing a fever of stingrays remains one of nature's greatest wonders, and in 2026, it is more important than ever to protect them. With global sightings of Mobula rays declining by nearly 80% in some regions, these collective gatherings are vital for the species' reproduction. Next time you see a shimmer on the horizon, remember you're watching a fever in motion.