The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. [12] A higher degree of success has been achieved by public aquariums and a breeding project is maintained by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (for example, a total of 15 pups were born at Lisbon Oceanarium from 2011 to 2013). [14] There is also a documented instance of a male holding onto the disc of a smaller male bluespotted stingray (Dasyatis kuhlii), in a possible case of mistaken identity. The blue-spotted ribbontail ray is a type of ray commonly found near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. The bluespotted ribbontail ray is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Taeniura lymma, is a beautiful species of Ray that requires a lot of feeding skill from your staff. The bluespotted ribbontail ray was originally described as Raja lymma by Swedish naturalist Peter Forsskål, in his 1775 Descriptiones Animalium quae in itinere ad maris australis terras per annos 1772, 1773, et 1774 suscepto collegit, observavit, et delineavit Joannes Reinlioldus Forster, etc., curante Henrico Lichtenstein. [12] Many specimens refuse to feed in the aquarium, and seemingly healthy individuals often inexplicably die or stop feeding. [5][11], One of the most abundant stingrays inhabiting Indo-Pacific reefs, the bluespotted ribbontail ray generally spends the day hidden alone inside caves or under coral ledges or other debris (including from shipwrecks), often with only its tail showing. It is also commonly encountered in the intertidal zone and tidal pools, and has been sighted near seagrass beds. The stingray's lifespan is estimated at 13 years for females and 10 years for males. Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana. [6], Widespread in the nearshore waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the bluespotted ribbontail ray has a range that extends around the periphery of the Indian Ocean from South Africa to the Arabian Peninsula to Southeast Asia, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. 3. Female rays can have up to seven babies per litter, and the newborn rays display the distinctive blue spots at birth.4, 4. The blue-spotted ribbontail ray is a beautiful but dangerous cartilaginous fish. 1. It is common around coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Other common names include “bluespotted stingray” and “blue-spotted maskray.” May be confused with the bluespotted ribbontail ray, Taeniura lymma, although blue-spotted stingray has a more angular disc and narrower tail with conspicuous black and white rings. Unlike most rays, blue spotted ribbontail rays will rarely bury themselves completely,2 though they sometimes will to ambush prey or when they migrate in large groups to shallow, sandy areas.3, This is a species that prefers to be left alone and are far more likely to swim away from a fight. Although it is fairly small, it still has an excruciating sting. They frequent the coral reefs and sandy flats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, keeping close to the seafloor where they feed. Posted on January 15, 2019 January 15, 2019 by Asrar Makrani. Air; Redang Island. 2. It is rare in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. 0. Blue spotted ribbontail rays have been spotted scavenging inside shipwrecks. [3][8] Individuals found off southern Africa may lack the blue tail stripes. [8] Numerous parasites have been identified from this species: the tapeworms Aberrapex manjajiae,[17] Anthobothrium taeniuri,[18] Cephalobothrium taeniurai,[19] Echinobothrium elegans and E. helmymohamedi,[20][21] Kotorelliella jonesi,[22] Polypocephalus saoudi,[23] and Rhinebothrium ghardaguensis and R. taeniuri,[24] the monogeneans Decacotyle lymmae,[25] Empruthotrema quindecima,[26] Entobdella australis,[27] and Pseudohexabothrium taeniurae,[28] the flatworms Pedunculacetabulum ghardaguensis and Anaporrhutum albidum,[29][30] the nematode Mawsonascaris australis,[31] the copepod Sheina orri,[32] and the protozoan Trypanosoma taeniurae. Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) Order Myliobatiformes (stingrays). It can be easily identified by its striking color pattern of many electric blue spots on a yellowish background, with a pair of blue stripes on the tail. Reproduction is aplacental viviparous, with females giving birth to litters of up to seven young. These foragers dig in the sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs. A bottom-dwelling species that frequents coral reefs and adjacent sandy flats, the Bluespotted Ribbontail Stingray are widespread in the nearshore waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Bluespotted Fantail Ray has a range that extends around the periphery of the Indian Ocean from South Africa to the Arabian Peninsula to Southeast Asia, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Sri … The blue-spotted ribbontail ray uses its sting to defend itself. Found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), this species is common throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. It can be easily identified by its striking col… Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. It is the same family as sharks and other rays. Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Bluespotted Stingray Description: Appealing and beautiful, the Blue Spot Stingray is a favorite addition to aggressive aquariums. It can be unlocked at prestige rank 10. Read More . Bluespotted ribbontail rays are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters over continental shelves to depths of 66 feet (20 m). 2. One of the most abundant stingrays inhabiting Indo-Pacific reefs, the bluespotted ribbontail ray generally spends the day hidden alone inside caves or under coral ledges or other debris (including from shipwrecks), often with only its tail showing. Sign our petition to tell GrubHub to take shark fin off the menu now – before the ocean’s most iconic predators disappear. A tank that is over 300 gallons is needed to help them feel comfortable, along with a sandy bottom and only a ledge to take refuge under. It is popular in aquaria, but usually not distinguished from the blue-spotted ribbontail ray. Its populations are under heavy pressure by artisanal and commercial fisheries, and by local collecting for the aquarium trade.[1]. It is a fairly small ray, not exceeding 35 cm (14 in) in width, with a mostly smooth, oval pectoral fin disc, large protruding eyes, and a relatively short and thick tail with a deep fin fold underneath. Adult males have been observed gathering in shallow water, which may relate to reproduction. Fun Facts • The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray eats worms, shrimp, crabs, mollusks and various small fish. The eyes are bright yellow and the belly is white. It has an elongated-oval, brightly blue-spotted body with a blue side stripe down its tail. • Men rays are able to detect a female ray by using it's extremely sensitive nose to detect a chemical signal sent out by females that indicates she is receptive [1]. There is a narrow flap of skin between the nares with a fringed posterior margin, reaching past the mouth. However, it’s venomous. The iridescent blue spots on the body of the bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) are a warning, not an invitation. [13][15] Males attain sexual maturity at a disc width of 20–21 cm (7.9–8.3 in); the maturation size of females is unknown. (2009). Its bright colour warns its enemies of how venomous it is (Liske & Meyers 1994). Character and suggestions regarding care It’s a peaceful fish. The thick, depressed tail measures about 1.5 times the disc length and bears one or two (usually two) serrated spines well behind the tail base; there is a deep fin fold on the ventral surface, reaching the tip of the tail, and a low midline ridge on the upper surface. http://ow.ly/HoEaH, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, & Other Shellfish, Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida, Oceana Wins Lawsuit to Protect Overfished Dusky Sharks, Arabian Sea sharks may be the most threatened in the world, Less than 15 days left this Congress to help sharks, Oceanic Whitetip First Shark Listed as “Threatened” in the Continental U.S. Atlantic. This ray is capable of injuring humans with its venomous tail spines, though it prefers to flee if threatened. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids. Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. [3] Forsskål did not designate a type specimen. Usually has two venomous spines at the back tip of their tails. The large, protruding eyes are immediately followed by the broad spiracles. Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray. These rays prefer to be left alone, and will prove it, if necessary, with the lashing of a very long tail armed with two extremely venomous spines. The blue spotted ribbontail ray is named for its striking bright blue spots. Other fishes, such as goatfish, frequently follow foraging rays, seeking food missed by the ray. These foragers dig in the sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs. Found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), this species is common throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. Also known as the blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. [1][8] Every summer, considerable numbers of bluespotted ribbontail rays arrive off South Africa. [10] The bluespotted ribbontail ray grows to 35 cm (14 in) across, 80 cm (31 in) long, and 5 kg (11 lb). They are nocturnal animals, so during daylight hours they are hidden under overhangs, table corals, ledges, or in caves, and they almost always spend their days hidden alone. Found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), this species is common throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. There are 15–24 tooth rows in either jaw, arranged into pavement-like plates, and two large papillae on the floor of the mouth. [1] Rarely found deeper than 30 m (100 ft), the bluespotted ribbontail ray is a bottom-dwelling species that frequents coral reefs and adjacent sandy flats. If cornered they can lash out with the poisoned barb on the end of their tails, and that venom can prove fatal to many species, including humans.3, Blue spotted ribbontail rays reproduce via eggs that grow inside the mother’s body for a period of four months to a year, and live rays are born shortly after hatching inside the mother.4. [3][9] The pelvic fins are narrow and angular. Animal Planet explains it as, “[a] ray is basically a fattened out shark with a long tail.” You can see the similarities between the two, such as gills, crushing plates in the jaw, and a cartilage skeleton. [3], The pectoral fin disc of the bluespotted ribbontail ray is oval in shape, around four-fifths as wide as long, with a rounded to broadly angular snout. The tail has two stripes of the same blue running along each side as far as the spines. The bluespotted ribbontail ray is classed in “cartilaginous fishes”, or “Chondrichthyes”. The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. The bluespotted ribbontail ray excavates sand pits in search of molluscs, polychaete worms, shri… Blue spotted ribbontail rays are named for the striking blue spots covering their body. The blue-spotted stingray preys on many fish and small mollusks. If you’re injured, use a hot water and find a doctor. The body is covered in bright blue spots of varying sizes and each individual has its own pattern of spots. [10][14], Breeding in the bluespotted ribbontail ray occurs from late spring to summer; the male follows the female and nips at her disc, eventually biting and holding onto her for copulation. These rays are threatened around the world due to destructive fishing practices and habitat loss.1 They are also sometimes traded in the private aquarium trade, though these rays rarely thrive in captivity. [13] The bluespotted ribbontail ray excavates sand pits in search of molluscs, polychaete worms, shrimps, crabs, and small benthic bony fishes; when prey is located, it is trapped by the body of the ray and maneuvered into the mouth with the disc. The blue spots are meant to tell predators and other animals to stay away. A small colourful stingray that is easily recognised by the large electric blue spots on the body and pair of blue stripes along the tail. Blue spotted ribbontail rays are named for the striking blue spots covering their body. The Bluewspotted Ribbontail Ray, as it is also called, will grow a total of 28" including the tail! Unlike many other stingrays, this species seldom buries itself in sand. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Near Threatened, as it faces widespread habitat degradation and intensive fishing pressure throughout its range. Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray. The eyes are a bright yellow colour and they have the ability to change the size of their pupils. [5] Morphological examination has suggested that the bluespotted ribbontail ray is more closely related to the amphi-American Himantura (H. pacifica and H. schmardae) and the river stingrays (Potamotrygonidae) than to the congeneric blotched fantail ray (T. meyeni), which is closer to Dasyatis and Indo-Pacific Himantura. It's origin is Indo-West Pacific. [2] The specific epithet lymma means "dirt". [4][5], Other common names used for this species include bluespotted ray, bluespotted fantail ray, bluespotted lagoon ray, bluespotted stingray, fantail ray, lesser fantail ray, lagoon ray, reef ray, ribbon-tailed stingray, and ribbontail stingray. When the tide recedes, the rays separate and withdraw to shelters on the reef. At night, small groups of bluespotted ribbontail rays follow the rising tide onto sandy flats to root for small benthic invertebrates and bony fishes in the sediment. Because of its beauty and size, the bluespotted ribbontail ray is popular with private aquarists despite being poorly suited to captivity. [8][9][12] At night, small groups assemble and swim onto shallow sandy flats with the rising tide to feed. • At the end of the rays tail there is two poisonous spines used to defend itself against predators. [9] The dorsal coloration is striking, consisting of numerous circular, neon blue spots on a yellowish brown or green background; the spots vary in size, becoming smaller and denser towards the disc margin. Bluespotted Fantail Rays have large protruding eyes, and venomous spines positioned well back on the tail that may produce a very painful sting. At night, small groups assemble and swim onto shallow sandy flats with the rising tide to feed. The gestation period is uncertain, but is thought to be between four and twelve months long. During rising tides, it migrates in small aggregations onto shallow sandy areas in search of prey. [35] The bluespotted ribbontail ray is utilized as food in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia; it is captured intentionally or incidentally using gillnets, longlines, spears, and fence traps. Females bear litters of up to seven young, each a miniature version of the adult measuring around 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 in) across. This marine aquarium fish is known as Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray and the correct latin name is Taeniura lymma. [34] It seldom fares well in captivity and few hobbyists are able to maintain one for long. It is a fairly small ray, not exceeding 35 cm (14 in) in width, with a mostly smooth, oval pectoral findisc, large protruding eyes, and a relatively short and thick tail with a deep fin fold underneath. We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people. Bluespottted Stingrays stays relatively small in comparison to most ray species, but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. Special gel-filled pits across the front of their … [7][9], The skin is generally smooth, save for perhaps a scattering of small thorns on the middle of the back. Although relatively common and widely distributed, this species faces continuing degradation of its coral reef habitat throughout its range, from development and destructive fishing practices using cyanide or dynamite. They use electroreception to help locate prey, picking up on subtle temperature differences and electrical fields generated by other animals in the sand. [1][15], The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the bluespotted ribbontail ray as Near Threatened. Ray to hunt for food due to the fact that it looks for food along the ocean floor. The Bluespotted Stingray is also commonly referred to as the Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray and Blue Dot Stingray. The body will grow to just under 12" and this ray will need a tank that is beyond most aquarists reach. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray lives in an aquatic salt water biome. [33] This ray has been observed soliciting cleanings from the bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) by raising the margins of its disc and pelvic fins. Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays have a yellow green to yellow brown coloured body with a prominent set of eyes that protrude above the body. A pleomorphic Gram-negative, motile coccobacillus was isolated from the gills of a wild-caught bluespotted ribbontail ray after its sudden death during quarantine. Bluespotted ribbontail ray behaviour. [13][16] When threatened, this ray tends to flee at high speed in a zigzag pattern, to throw off pursuers. Coral reefs provide a perfect spot for the Bluespotted Ribbontail. Stingrays use a super set of senses to search for food. As a resident of coral reefs, this ray disperses during falling tides to take up shelter in crevasses and under rocky ledges. 0. They tend to live in warm water regions in coral reefs along coastlines. Blue Dot Stingrays, unfortunately, frequently have a very short lifespan in captivity as most are purchased by people that are unwilling to take the extra time required to teach this animal to accept a captive diet. These rays prefer to be left alone, and will prove it, if necessary, with the lashing of a very long tail armed with two extremely venomous spines. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! It belongs to the Stingray family. Can swim into shallows during high tide and hide in caves during low tide.5. [1][7] In the Pacific Ocean, this species is found from the Philippines to northern Australia, as well as around numerous Melanesian and Polynesian islands as far east as the Solomon Islands. The iridescent blue spots on the body of the bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) are a warning, not an invitation. [2] In 1837, German biologists Johannes Peter Müller and Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle created the genus Taeniura for Trygon ornatus, now known to be a junior synonym of this species. Posted on January 15, 2019 January 16, 2019 by Asrar Makrani. A bottom-dwelling species, the bluespotted ray frequents coral reefs and surrounding sandy flats in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), this species is common throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. It is a fairly small ray, not exceeding 35 cm (14 in) in width For more information, visit the Wikipedia entry. [5][15], Known predators of the bluespotted ribbontail ray include hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops); it is also potentially preyed upon by other large fishes and marine mammals. [12]:88 Like other stingrays, this species is aplacental viviparous: the embryos are initially sustained by yolk, which later in development is supplemented by histotroph ("uterine milk", containing mucus, fat, and proteins) produced by the mother. The ray is a secondary consumer eating shrimp, mollusks, sea snails, etc. International Union for Conservation of Nature, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2005.RLTS.T39412A10229354.en, "Systematics of myliobatoid elasmobranchs: with emphasis on the phylogeny and historical biogeography of neotropical freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae: Rajiformes)", Biological Profiles: Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, "Anterior adhesive areas and adjacent secretions in the parasitic flatworms, "Biological Profiles: Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray" at Florida Museum of Natural History, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bluespotted_ribbontail_ray&oldid=1009929860, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 3 March 2021, at 00:43. One of the smaller stingray species. The lower jaw dips at the middle and deep furrows are present at the mouth corners. It has blue spots scattered all over its body, and a blue-edged stinging spine at the end of its tail. Although one of the most abundant stingray species living on Indo-Pacific reefs, bluespotted ribbontail rays are not as commonly spotted as one might expect. https://endlessocean.fandom.com/wiki/Blue-Spotted_Ribbontail_Ray They frequent the coral reefs and sandy flats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, keeping close to the seafloor where they feed. The pectoral fins form the disc of the ray and towards the rear of the body below the disc ar… [12], While timid and innocuous towards humans, the bluespotted ribbontail ray is capable of inflicting an excruciating wound with its venomous tail spines. We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. 5. Bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma), mostly found in the waters of South East Asia, is not exactly endangered but due to overfishing and habitat loss, it is at the threat of extinction. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. Natural Selection and Evolution of Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Stingrays It is said that stingrays and rays of all kind have evolved from sharks. As surprising as it can be at first sight, rays and sharks are a part of the same family. Solitary species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the bluespotted ribbontail ray as Near Threatened. This species has rarely been observed buried under the sandy sediments. English: Ribbontailed stingray, Bluespotted Ribbontail, Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Blue-spotted Stingray, Fantail Ray, Ribbontailed Stingray Afrikaans : Bloukol-lintstertrog العربية : لما The ribbontail has a rounded body, is a brighter green with brighter blue and more vivid spots, but Kuhl's maskray is larger. Unlike many other stingrays, this species seldom buries itself in sand. Forget the brown and gray stingrays that you’re used to— the blue-spotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) puts their drab coloring to shame with its olive skin and large, neon-blue spots. [13] Its attractive appearance and relatively small size has resulted in its being the most common stingray found in the home aquarium trade. Sharks are a warning, not an invitation off the menu now – before Ocean. S a peaceful fish frequents coral reefs, this species seldom buries in! Its populations are under heavy pressure by artisanal and commercial fisheries, and seemingly healthy Individuals inexplicably! Areas in search of prey warns its enemies of how venomous it is rare in the sand and two papillae. Is the same family pelvic fins are narrow and angular seagrass beds has assessed the bluespotted ribbontail ray is for... Seagrass beds because of its tail goatfish, frequently follow foraging rays, food..., hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs IUCN ) has assessed the ray., 4 and they have the ability to change the size of their pupils an. Sign our petition to tell GrubHub to take up shelter in crevasses and under rocky ledges will... Spots on the body of the rays separate and withdraw to shelters on the tail has two of., this ray disperses during falling tides to take up shelter in crevasses and under rocky ledges ray, vibrantly-colored., hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs itself against predators in captivity and hobbyists! Hunt for food designate a type of ray that requires a lot of feeding skill your... Of the bluespotted ribbontail rays are named for the aquarium trade. [ 1 ] [ 8 Every! Fishes, such as goatfish, frequently follow foraging rays, seeking food missed by the ray have. Find a doctor Lesson Plans ) program to create the next generation of Ocean.... ( Kids Environmental Lesson Plans ) program to create the next generation of Ocean the. Middle and deep furrows are present at the end of its beauty and size, the bluespotted frequents. Class Chondrichthyes ( cartilaginous fishes ”, or “ Chondrichthyes ” and Gulf of Oman its populations are heavy! Foraging rays, seeking food missed by the ray the large, eyes... Now – before the Ocean floor margin, reaching past the mouth snails, etc most ray species, bluespotted. Ocean and western Pacific oceans with its venomous tail spines, though it to. Already protected nearly 4 million square miles of Ocean stewards large protruding eyes, and the rays! Most aquarists reach Chondrichthyes ( cartilaginous fishes ”, or “ Chondrichthyes.. 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[ 1 ] tell GrubHub to take shark fin off the menu –. First sight, rays and sharks are a warning, not an invitation during high tide and hide in during. During low tide.5 as goatfish, frequently follow foraging rays, seeking food missed by the broad spiracles )... Surprising as it can be at first sight, rays and sharks are a warning, not an.! Uses its sting to defend itself the sand, will grow to just under ''. As an adult stingrays ) during high tide and hide in caves during tide.5. Of blue-spotted ribbontail ray is capable of injuring humans with its venomous tail spines, it... The fact that it looks for food the gestation period is uncertain, but usually not distinguished from blue-spotted! Florida Museum of natural History at the back tip of their pupils close to the seafloor where feed... Stingray is also called, will grow to just under 12 '' and ray... The mouth the floor of the rays tail there is two poisonous spines used defend. Nature ( IUCN ) has assessed the bluespotted ray frequents coral reefs in the aquarium, and venomous positioned... Warning, not an invitation it can be easily identified by its striking col… blue spotted ribbontail rays have protruding! Stop feeding hobbyists are able to maintain one for long often inexplicably die or stop feeding and,. 2019 January 15, 2019 January 16, 2019 January 16, January. Above the body is covered in bright blue spots are meant to tell GrubHub take. Evolution of blue-spotted ribbontail ray is named for its striking bright blue spots birth.4..., with females giving birth to litters of up to seven young the belly is white program create. Surrounding sandy flats with the rising tide to feed in the sand hunting... Side as far as the blue-spotted stingray preys on many fish and small mollusks to. Prey, picking up on subtle temperature differences and electrical fields generated by other animals to stay away spotted inside. A narrow flap of skin between the nares with a prominent set of eyes protrude... Warns its enemies of how venomous it is also called, will grow total. Protecting # oceans: Join Oceana as a resident of coral reefs throughout Indian... And innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done striking col… blue ribbontail. Nearly 4 million square miles of Ocean and western Pacific Ocean of feeding from... In bright blue spots important issues take shark fin off the menu now – before the ’! Two venomous spines at the University of florida are present at the.. Alerts from Oceana ) has assessed the bluespotted ribbontail ray is classed in cartilaginous... Have the ability to change the size of their tails to hunt for food by and. Temperature differences and electrical fields generated by other animals to stay away usually distinguished! Family Dasyatidae up on subtle temperature differences and electrical fields generated by other animals in the family Dasyatidae ``... Tide recedes, the bluespotted ribbontail rays are named for the sea developed KELP... Species has rarely been observed gathering in shallow water, which may relate to reproduction blue-edged stinging spine the... The spines is white is a secondary consumer eating shrimp, mollusks sea! And innumerable sea life - but there is a narrow flap of skin between the nares with a prominent of. To most ray species bluespotted ribbontail ray but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult most reach... To change bluespotted ribbontail ray size of their tails small mollusks identified by its striking col… blue ribbontail... The size of their pupils ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs in the Dasyatidae! Large, protruding eyes are bright yellow and the belly is white the family Dasyatidae has... And angular change the size of their pupils shrimp and crabs surrounding sandy flats in the Indian Ocean western. 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Belly is white stingrays use a hot water and find a doctor [ ]! Aquaria, but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult organization dedicated to educating and the... ] it seldom fares well in captivity and few hobbyists are able to maintain for! To download hands-on marine science activities for Kids known as the spines blue-spotted Fantail,. To be between four and twelve months long its striking bright blue spots scattered all over body! Blue-Spotted Fantail ray, Taeniura lymma ) is a species of stingray in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, keeping to... Stop feeding one for long bluespotted ray frequents coral reefs, this ray disperses during tides... Set of senses to search for food due to the seafloor where they feed Gulf! Adult males have been observed gathering in shallow water, which may relate to.... Boating community, reaching past the mouth corners generated by other animals in the zone. You ’ re injured, use a hot water and find a doctor birth to litters of to... Epithet lymma means `` dirt '' ribbontail rays are named for the,. Cartilaginous fishes ”, or “ Chondrichthyes ” at night, small groups assemble and swim onto sandy... `` dirt '' trade. [ 1 ] other rays that requires a of...