Is it true that touching rays destroys their immune system?

Question

I am told that you must not touch rays in aquariums because in doing so the oil on our fingers damages the membrane mucus covering them. This in turn exposes their immune system, making them more susceptible to illness and infection. I have heard it compared to putting your hand in very hot water. This being the case, why do some parks allow you to touch their rays? Is it cruelty or is the science I have stated completely incorrect?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Answer 1

i think it depends, if u just give it a pet its fine, or if u keep it in the water its fine, but if u take it out and/or hold it for a while, it does harm its immune system, but only under those 2 circumstances.

Answer 2

stingrays are chondrichys and don't have a slime coating they are coverd by scale/tooth like denstrites and have a sandpaper feel to them

the occasional brush of a hand wont do much but constant man-handleing causes stress and stress lowers the immune response

when ther is a touch pond at zoo or aquarium ther's generally only a small section that the public can actually touch the fish in and they rays have a place to retreat to when they've had enough

Answer 3

Hmm.

I'm no expert either, but I can say that there is an area specifically designed for this activity at the London Aquarium.  I'm sure they would not do this if it were likely to harm the creatures - I would hope not anyway.  

Answer 4

Are you taking stingrays and manta rays?  While I'm not an expert on them, I find it hard to believe that the minute amount of oil on our fingers could possibly have any adverse effect on the tough little buggers.  I used to live near Underwater World in Queensland and the stingrays there were being manhandled contstantly, and they kept coming back for more - I'm sure the experts on staff wouldn't have permitted it if it was damaging to them.  You'd also see big rays in the river or ocean covered in scars, or with bits missing - so would obviously have a damaged membrane, and they'd be scooting along just fine.  I'm not sure where you got your info or whether it's right or not... it just doesn't seem logically possible.