The pelagic stingray has a broad, wedge-shaped disc which is wider than long. The snout is broadly rounded with the presence of a terminal lobe. The small eyes do not protrude from the body as in other rays. The tail measures up to double the length of the body with a long lower caudal finfold that terminates in front of the tip of the tail. There is no upper finfold present on the pelagic stingray. The front margin of the pelvic fin is straight while the outer corner is broadly rounded. The tail has a thick base, tapering to the origin of the serrated spine. There is one or more venomous spines located about a third of the way down the tail which are used for defence.