Bluespotted ribbontail ray

© Klaus Jost

The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma), is a fairly small ray not exceeding 35 cm (14 in) in width. A common species throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans, they around found in near shore, coral reef-associated habitats. They also can be found in the intertidal zone to depths of 30 m (100 ft).

They are mostly smooth skinned with large, protruding eyes and a short, thick tail that has a deep fin fold underneath. They are easily identified by the striking colour pattern of multiple electric blue spots on a yellowish backdrop and two blue stripes on the tail. Like other rays, they have venomous tail spines.
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Small groups of bluespotted ribbontail rays follow the tide to hunt for benthic invertebrates and bony fishes, going back to the reefs when the tide came back out. They are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to litters of up to seven pups. They are popular with aquarists thanks to their beautiful colouration and small size, but they don’t fare well in captivity. The IUCN has assessed them as Near Threatened (NT). 

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glossary

• Benthic zone: The bottom of an ocean or lake.
• Disc length (DL): A standard measurement of stingray; disc is slightly longer than it is wide.
• Dorsal side: The top of an animal.
• Invertebrates: Animals with no backbone (i.e. crustaceans, jellyfish, corals, sea anemones).
• IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• Ovoviviparous: Also known as aplacental viviparous; bearing live young which eat any unfertilized eggs and each other while in the womb.
• Pup: Give birth to baby sharks (pups).
• Pups: Baby sharks.
• Tropical waters: Waters that are between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).

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