Oriental bluespotted maskray

Last et al. 2016. Taxonomic status of maskrays of the Neotrygon kuhlii species complex (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) with the description of three new species from the Indo-West Pacifi. BioTaxa

A small member of the Neotrygon group (that reaches at least 38 cm in disc width, DW), we’re introducing you today to the Oriental bluespotted maskray (Neotrygon orientalis)!

Some ways to tell this spotty individual from others in the same group: 1) their disc is much broader than long, 2) their pectoral apices are abruptly angular and 3) they have a “fleshy” snout according to science. Like others in this group, they have a mask-like marking that is rather pronounced on their eyes, and they are covered with dark spots on their body. If you were to flip them over, you would see their underbelly was a grey-colored submarginal bands and their tail fold would be dusky with darker edges.
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Primarily found in Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines, they are not thought to inhabit any area deeper than 100 meters. We know very little about this species since it was confused for another for so long!

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THIS ANIMAL?

GLOSSARY

• IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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