The Atlantic stingray is unique in North America in its ability to thrive in a fresh water environment. In general, elasmobranches are considered to be stenohaline (salinity restricted) marine species. The Atlantic Stingray is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Chesapeake Bay southward to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, to as far as Campeche, Mexico. They prefer water temperatures over 15 °C (59 °F) and can tolerate temperatures over 30 °C (86 °F).One of the smallest stingray species, the Atlantic stingray attains a maximum length of 61 cm (24 in) and a weight of 4.9 kg (11 lb).