Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana. But other than their ability to fly like a bird underwater and become masters of camouflage on the reef, how much do we really know about this creature? This is a common species of ray throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! They congregate in large numbers only when it comes to feeding. 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. AMAZING: The Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray | Oceana - YouTube These foragers dig in the sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs. The bluespotted ribbontail ray The bluespotted ribbontail ray. Taeniura lymma. Bluespottted Stingrays stays relatively small in comparison to most ray species, but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. Fun fact. As resilient as they are in the ocean, ribbontail rays fare poorly in captivity, especially private aquariums. They move into shallow, sandy areas on the rising tide and then fall back into their hiding spots under a rock when the tide falls. Please email, Choose an Eco-Friendly Operator for Your Next Dive, Mexicoâs Best Dive Destinations Part 1: Socorro Island, Updates on the Tragic Death of Rob Stewart. Natural Selection and Evolution of Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Stingrays It is said that stingrays and rays of all kind have evolved from sharks. The reproduction is then ovoviviparous, meaning that females give birth to live pups that have hatched from egg cases inside the uterus. They use specialised sensory organs to detect the electrical field of … For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org. These rays like to bury themselves just underneath the sand where they feed on various invertebrates. The bluespotted stingray, whether youâve seen one up close on a dive or in films and TV documentaries, is one of the seaâs most easily identifiable creatures. It is also known as aka blue-spotted fantail rays, blue spotted stingrays, blue spotted rays, and ribbontail stingrays. The bluespotted stingray is found in the Indo-West Pacific region including the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and Tonga. The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Shark Fact Friday #8: Will the real mobula ray please stand up? We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. Family: Dasyatidae. You can help Oceana protect these colorful creatures by adopting a blue-spotted ray for a friend or family-member this holiday season. Maximum length: 70 cm (28 in) Minimum aquarium size: 1,894 L (500 gal) Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F) General swimming level: Bottom. Also known as the blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. It has one or two venomous spines near the middle of the tail. Every spring large numbers are seen off the north coast of South Africa. Also known as the blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray is found across the near shores of the Indian ocean and in the west Pacific. Needs a broad expanse of uncluttered sand bottom and at least one hiding place under a rocky overhang. Blue spotted ribbontail rays are named for the striking blue spots covering their body. Scuba Diver Life They feed on mollusks, worms, shrimps and crabs. There are many different types of ray including stingrays, electric rays, butterfly rays, round rays, … They are found between depths of 2-30 meters. The information listed on this site is to be used as a reference and is only our opinion/suggestion. They congregate in large numbers only when it comes to feeding. Mountain View It is also found north to Japan and south to Australia. 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. 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. 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. To help its spots stay bright and visible, the blue-spotted ray visits âcleaning stationsâ on the coral reef, where small fish and shrimp pick bacteria and dead skin off the rayâs body. Add your name now before more whales lose their lives in these indiscriminate nets. Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray. Blue-spotted rays are also adept predators. The blue-spotted ribbontail ray uses its sting to defend itself. Habitat: Inhabits the fringes of coral reefs and lagoons, seeking shelter in caves and under ledges. Blue lines run from mid dorsum to tip of tail. However, they do possess two venomous spines on their tail that can cause a very painful. It has a tan body with blue spots and stays relatively small, but requires a 150 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. 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. The Bluespotted Stingray is also commonly referred to as the Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray and Blue Dot Stingray. Also known as the Bluedot Ray. The bluespotted ribbontail ray is found in the Indo-West Pacific region including the Red Sea and East Africa to the Solomon Islands north to Japan and south to northern Australia. They are quite private creatures and prefer to live alone or in small groups. We cannot be held responsible for any errors on the site and for any actions you may take after viewing its content. Seismic airgun blasting threatens marine life, coastal communities and local economies. California 94041. It has blue spots scattered all over its body, and a blue-edged stinging spine at the end of its tail. Known scientifically as the Taeniura lymma, the bluespotted ribbontail ray is a small species of stingray that can be found throughout most shallow waters found within the tropical Indo-Pacific region.It can be found as shallow as the intertidal zone, to a maximum depth of around 30 metres. Unlike other stingrays, the blue-spotted ray doesnât bury itself in the sand to hide from predators. They are quite private creatures and prefer to live alone or in small groups. The Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray is found in the Indo-West Pacific region growing up to 35cm in length. Oceana Convenes New International Partnership to Save Endangered Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle. 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