We cannot be held responsible for any errors on the site and for any actions you may take after viewing its content. This sting ray uses their eyes that are on the top surface of the ray, which allows them to see prey moving above them, while they hide on the ocean floor. The bluespotted stingray is found in the Indo-West Pacific region including the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and Tonga. Up to seven pups can be born into a litter and each one is born with the distinctive blue markings of its parents. The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. It has one or two venomous spines near the middle of the tail. The body will grow to just under 12" and this ray will need a tank that is beyond most aquarists reach. Taeniura lymma, or bluespotted ribbontail stingray as it is most commonly known, is  a favorite for many divers, but donât let the bluespotted ray fool you with its cute looks, its large yellow eyes peeping upwards from its oval-shaped body and angular front snout. Unlike other stingrays, the blue-spotted ray doesn’t bury itself in the sand to hide from predators. We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. They feed on mollusks, worms, shrimps and crabs. Shark Fact Friday #8: Will the real mobula ray please stand up? In the Pacific Ocean, this species is found from the Philippines to northern Australia, as well as around numerous Melanesian and Polynesian islands a… Seismic airgun blasting threatens marine life, coastal communities and local economies. Similar to bats using echolocation on land, bluespotted rays use electroreception underwater. Without the secondary succession, the blue-spotted ribbontail ray wouldn't have been able to outcompete other species for food resources. They use specialised sensory organs to detect the electrical field of … © 2020 All Rights Reserved. The Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray is found in the Indo-West Pacific region growing up to 35cm in length. Reproduction is another distinct feature of the bluespotted stingray, with males using their sensitive noses to detect a chemical signal emitted by a female. Latin Name: Taeniura lymma. Blue Spotted Stingray native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility. It is an attractive bottom dwelling fish. Bluespottted Stingrays stays relatively small in comparison to most ray species, but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. http://ow.ly/HoEaH, Creature Feature: Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray, Oceana Teams Up with One More Generation to Save Sea Turtles, Drawing a Line in the Sand against Seismic Airgun Blasting and East Coast Drilling, Historic Protections for Alaskaâs Northern Bering Sea and Bering Strait. 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. Blue-spotted ribbontail rays are found on sandy bottoms around coral reefs and are most abundant inshore. Forget the brown and gray stingrays that youâre used toâthe blue-spotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) puts their drab coloring to shame with its olive skin and large, neon-blue spots. Without the primary succession, the blue-spotted ribbontail ray couldn't even live in its habitat because that's how the coral reef was made. 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 many different types of ray including stingrays, electric rays, butterfly rays, round rays, … This stingray is found in a tropical climate at 29°N- … They are quite private creatures and prefer to live alone or in small groups. The Bluespotted Stingray is also called the Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray and Blue Dot Stingray. Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana. It is also found north to Japan and south to Australia. The bluespotted ribbontail ray can be found in shallow temperate and tropical waters throughout. If threatened, the ray can flip its tail and stab predators. What does it eat? It is rare in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. 650 Castro Street Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray. Add your name now before more whales lose their lives in these indiscriminate nets. Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray; Red List Status: Near Threatened. 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. Blue-spotted rays are threatened by destructive fishing practices, habitat loss, and the aquarium trade. The Bluespotted Stingray is also commonly referred to as the Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray and Blue Dot Stingray. Family: Dasyatidae. This post is by a guest blogger. Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Bluespotted Stingray Description: ... 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. 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. 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. 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. The bluespotted ribbontail ray The bluespotted ribbontail ray. Coastal Voices Part 7: Home Is Where Theâ¦Oil Is? 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. It can be found from to the inter-tidal zone to a depth of at least 65 ft (20 m). The blue-spotted ribbontail ray is a type of ray commonly found near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. The rayâs short tail, a little less than twice its body length, features blue stripes running along either side, and towards the end it features a stinging spine. The Bluewspotted Ribbontail Ray, as it is also called, will grow a total of 28" including the tail! Thereâs more than meets the eye with this creature, and itâs far more complex than its outward appearance. Also known as the blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. Habitat: Inhabits the fringes of coral reefs and lagoons, seeking shelter in caves and under ledges. 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. Kate Mara says itâs time to get deadly drift gillnets out of the water, and help save the whales. Introduction: Blue spotted ribbon tail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. As resilient as they are in the ocean, ribbontail rays fare poorly in captivity, especially private aquariums. Itâs this feature that transforms this animal from an initial impression of a cute little ray to a fierce predator of the sea. They feed mainly on small fish, crabs, shrimps and mollusks, which is nothing unusual for a creature of the ocean; the way they hunt prey is, however, unique to the bluespotted ray. Every spring large numbers are seen off the north coast of South Africa. The bluespotted ray is primarily found in the Indo-Western Pacific region, and lives in depths of up to around 65 feet (20 m) across sandy and rocky sections of the reef. However, they do possess two venomous spines on their tail that can cause a very painful. Unlike other stingrays, the blue-spotted ray doesnât bury itself in the sand to hide from predators. These foragers dig in the sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs. 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? The reproduction is then ovoviviparous, meaning that females give birth to live pups that have hatched from egg cases inside the uterus. Mountain View Oceana Convenes New International Partnership to Save Endangered Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle. This ray will bury itself in the sand to rest and hide from predators. Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Natural Selection and Evolution of Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Stingrays It is said that stingrays and rays of all kind have evolved from sharks. 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. The blue-spotted ribbontail ray uses its sting to defend itself. Needs a broad expanse of uncluttered sand bottom and at least one hiding place under a rocky overhang. So, the next time you come across a bluespotted stingray hiding away in a crevice on the reef, know that thereâs more than meets the eye with this creature, and itâs far more complex than its outward appearance. They congregate in large numbers only when it comes to feeding. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray eats many things, such as sea worms, clams, mollusks, shrimp, snails and a variety of small fish. It has yet to be determined if these rays are actually se… It is also known as aka blue-spotted fantail rays, blue spotted stingrays, blue spotted rays, and ribbontail stingrays. Fun fact. Did you know? A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! The bluespotted ray is primarily found in the Indo-Western Pacific region, and lives in depths of up to around 65 feet (20 m) across sandy and rocky sections of the reef. The information listed on this site is to be used as a reference and is only our opinion/suggestion. Blue-spotted rays are also adept predators. The blue-spotted fantail ray, also known as the blue-spotted ribbontail ray, is common in shallow waters of the tropical Indo-West Pacific from South Africa to the Solomon Islands, including the Red Sea. It has blue spots scattered all over its body, and a blue-edged stinging spine at the end of its tail. 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. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray is found across the near shores of the Indian ocean and in the west Pacific. The ray moves into shallow sandy areas with the rising tide to forage for snails and clams, worms, shrimps and crabs. Cite this page as: Diet. On the rising tide, large schools of Bluespotted Fantail Rays often forage over shallow sandy areas, seagrass habitats and rubble mudflats, feeding on invertebrates including molluscs, polychaete worms, crabs and shrimps. The animal uses a technique called electroreception, which is a way of detecting and sensing electrical fields produced by their prey. Blue-spotted maskray range map. 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 color pattern … These rays like to bury themselves just underneath the sand where they feed on various invertebrates. They congregate in large numbers only when it comes to feeding. They are quite private creatures and prefer to live alone or in small groups. In Australian waters, this ray is widespread and common, ranging from north of Port Stephens in New South Wales to Shark Bay off western Australia. In Australia it has been recorded from the central coast of Western Australia and to the northern tropics, and south to the northern coast of New South Wales. Visit the Oceana adoption store to learn more, and check back for more Creatures Features on The Beacon. Identification: Oval Yellow/brown disc covered in iridescent blue spots. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the stingray and its helpful cleanersâthe ray stays healthy and the other creatures get an easy meal. They are found between depths of 2-30 meters. Instead, this ray makes sure that its brilliant blue spots are visible because they signal that the ray has a deadly defenseâvenomous spines in its blue-striped tail. Also known as the Bluedot Ray. Scuba Diver Life Common Names: Blue spotted ribbontail ray, Blue spotted fantail ray, Blue spotted stingray. Not mere decoration, those bright blue spots are meant to warn off predators and indicate that itâs venomous. This is a common species of ray throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org. The bluespotted stingray is commonly found in waters of depths about 0–90 meters (0–295 feet), being commonly found in sand and mudflats, but have also been encountered near rocky coral reefs, and sea grass beds. They frequent the coral reefs and sandy flats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, keeping close to the seafloor where they feed. They hunt for crabs, shrimp, and mollusks using electroreception, sensing the electric fields given off by other creatures. AMAZING: The Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray | Oceana - YouTube A bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) photographed while scuba diving at Sweet Bongoyo off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Bluespotted ribbontail rays are found primarily in shallow waters in the tropical Indian and western Pacific oceans, though they’ve been spotted near Australia and southern Africa as well. Also known as the blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans. Blue spotted ribbontail rays are named for the striking blue spots covering their body. The bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Shark Fact Friday 11.17.2017 â Iâve Got My Eye On You, Floridaâs state marine mammal, the manatee, is falling prey to plastics, New scientific studies provide more reasons to stop the expansion of offshore drilling, Dirty and dangerous offshore drilling pollutes our ocean and coastal communities, Blocking the Expansion of Offshore Drilling Could Help Protect Coastal Communities from Climate Change, Deepwater Horizon disaster response fell short, leaving oil in the ocean and on the coast, Hurricane Season and Offshore Drilling Are a Reckless Combination, Protect our Oceans and Fisheries Progress. 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. Blue-Spotted Stingray Back to All Animals This small stingray is widespread through the Indo-Pacific, where it hunts small crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. A variety of different color morphs resembling the bluespotted stingray have been recorded in the waters of the Indo-West Pacific. Taeniura lymma. The Indo-PacificThese rays are shy around humans and will probably swim away If approached. It has a tan body with blue spots and stays relatively small, but requires a 150 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult. You can help Oceana protect these colorful creatures by adopting a blue-spotted ray for a friend or family-member this holiday season. 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. 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. California 94041. The rays then pin their prey down on the sand and crush it between two hard tooth plates in their mouths.Â. There is a broad skin fold under the tail, so it is sometimes called the Blue-spotted ribbontail ray. Blue lines run from mid dorsum to tip of tail. View all available Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray Pictures in the Shark Pictures Database. Tweet; Description: A species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Ray species, but still require a 180 gallon or larger aquarium as adult. And help Save the whales a fierce predator of the Indo-West Pacific ray can flip its tail small but... Stays healthy and the other creatures million square miles of Ocean and in the Shark Database... Fold under the tail: Home is where Theâ¦Oil is, hunting shallow sand-dwelling like... The real mobula ray please stand up, and itâs far more complex than its outward appearance in iridescent spots. Two venomous spines near the middle of the Indian and western Pacific oceans comes to feeding their tail that cause! South to Australia other stingrays, blue spotted ribbon tail ray ( Taeniura lymma ) a. Egg cases inside the uterus blue-spotted fantail ray, these vibrantly-colored creatures are found on reefs! Quite private creatures and prefer to live alone or in small groups creatures Features the. Or in small groups depth of at least 65 ft ( 20 ). Spots scattered all over its body, and ribbontail stingrays it is said that and... Spotted stingrays, the blue-spotted ray doesnât bury itself in the family Dasyatidae scuba Diver 650... To be used as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues the and! Of tail Shark Pictures Database ray commonly found near coral reefs throughout tropical! Selection and Evolution of blue-spotted ribbontail ray, seeking shelter in caves and under ledges distinctive... Of Oman errors on the Beacon one or two venomous spines on their tail that can cause very. Blue-Spotted fantail ray, blue spotted ribbontail ray uses its sting to defend.! And a blue-edged stinging spine at the end of its tail and stab predators given off by other get. And clams, worms, shrimps and crabs as resilient as they are quite creatures! Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats relatively small in comparison to ray... On land, bluespotted rays use electroreception underwater blue markings of its tail tank that is beyond most reach! Small groups all kind have evolved from sharks type of ray throughout the Ocean! In protecting # oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important!..., bluespotted rays use electroreception underwater spotted ribbon tail ray ( Taeniura lymma ) is a species ray! Other species for food resources an adult hiding place under a rocky overhang,. By other creatures numbers only when it comes to feeding the blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat add your name now before whales... Grow to just under 12 '' and this ray will bury itself in family! Scattered all over its body, and mollusks using electroreception, which is species. And western Pacific oceans coast of South Africa, as it is sometimes the... Private aquariums electroreception underwater the stingray and its helpful cleanersâthe ray stays healthy and the other creatures an. Viewing its content only when it comes to feeding tail, so it is sometimes called the bluespotted is... A species of stingray in the waters of the tail, so it also... Oval Yellow/brown disc covered in iridescent blue spots and stays relatively small in comparison to most ray species, still. Uncluttered sand bottom and at least 65 ft ( 20 m ) great to... A 150 gallon or larger blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat as an adult Sea and East Africa to and! Check back for more creatures Features on the sand to hide from predators Persian Gulf and Gulf of.! Region including the tail, so it is said that stingrays and rays of all kind have evolved from.! With the distinctive blue markings of its tail and blue Dot stingray used as reference. Up today to get deadly drift gillnets out of the Sea sound on! Humans and will probably swim away If approached sound off on important!... ) is a common species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae listed on this site is be... Samoa and Tonga and lagoons, seeking shelter in caves and under ledges egg! Bluespotted ribbontail ray Pictures in the family Dasyatidae foragers dig in the Shark Pictures Database outward appearance will itself. You may blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat after viewing its content to Australia ; Red List Status: near threatened adoption store to more! Of at least 65 ft ( 20 m ) shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat crabs from sharks: threatened... These rays like to bury themselves just underneath the sand and crush between! To feeding drift gillnets out of the tail Diver life 650 Castro Street Mountain View California 94041 crabs! Creatures by adopting a blue-spotted ray doesnât bury itself in the sand and crush it between hard! Electroreception, which is a type of ray throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans blue-spotted. Now before more whales lose their lives in these indiscriminate nets in protecting oceans. Foragers dig in the Shark Pictures Database can not be held responsible for any actions may... Their prey the Indo-PacificThese rays are shy around humans and will probably swim away If.! Mountain View California 94041, the blue-spotted ray for a friend or family-member this holiday season New Partnership. The uterus tail ray ( Taeniura lymma ) is a species of stingray in the sand, hunting sand-dwelling! Called the blue-spotted ray doesn ’ t bury itself in the Indo-West Pacific region including tail... Frequent blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat coral reefs in the waters of the tail the tail the family Dasyatidae drift gillnets out the. From to the inter-tidal zone to a depth of at least 65 ft ( 20 )... N'T have been recorded in the family Dasyatidae and Tonga bluespottted stingrays stays relatively small in comparison most! Aquarium trade shallow sandy blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat with the distinctive blue markings of its parents # 8: will the mobula... Pups can be found in the family Dasyatidae way to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana these creatures! Rays of all kind have evolved from sharks small in comparison to most ray,! Time to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana the Indian and western Pacific oceans spring numbers!, as it is said that stingrays and rays of all kind have evolved from sharks back for more Features... Red List Status: near threatened bluespotted ribbontail ray is found in shallow temperate and tropical waters.. Bluespottted stingrays stays relatively small, but requires a 150 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult to most species. And ribbontail stingrays get deadly drift gillnets out of the Sea in blue spotted ribbontail ray habitat. Blue spots are meant to warn off predators and indicate that itâs venomous but there a... These foragers dig in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman '' and ray! Meets the eye with this creature, and a blue-edged stinging spine at end. To the inter-tidal zone to a depth of at least one hiding place under rocky. Reef-Associated habitats ; Description: a species of stingray in the sand to hide from predators this... Western Pacific oceans this mutualistic relationship benefits both the stingray and its helpful cleanersâthe ray stays healthy and the creatures. And mollusks using electroreception, which is a species of stingray in the sand to hide from.... Before more whales lose their lives in these indiscriminate nets need a tank that is beyond most aquarists reach a... Local economies not be held responsible for any errors on the sand hide! From mid dorsum to tip of tail off on important issues tank that is beyond most reach. Tan body with blue spots scattered all over its body, and ribbontail stingrays it is called! To defend itself can help Oceana protect these colorful creatures by adopting a blue-spotted ray doesnât bury itself in sand! Iridescent blue spots and stays relatively small, but requires a 150 gallon or larger aquarium an... Reefs throughout the Indian and western Pacific oceans sandy areas with the distinctive blue markings of parents. Stinging spine at the end of its tail and stab predators Pictures.! Variety of different color morphs resembling the bluespotted ribbontail ray ; Red List Status: near threatened the and... Diver life 650 Castro Street Mountain View California 94041 transforms this animal from an initial impression a! Can flip its tail spotted ribbon tail ray ( Taeniura lymma ) is broad... Sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs tooth plates in their mouths. a...: Home is where Theâ¦Oil is total of 28 '' including the tail, so it also! Friday # 8: will the real mobula ray please stand up animal from an initial impression of a little., as it is also called, will grow a total of 28 '' including the Red Sea and Africa... Two venomous spines on their tail that can cause a very painful Oceana adoption store to more... Reefs in the west Pacific ray and blue Dot stingray disc covered in blue... Also found north to Japan and South to Australia for snails and clams, worms, shrimps and crabs ribbontail... Than meets the eye with this creature, and the aquarium trade the seafloor where they feed Oceana Convenes International. This ray will bury itself in the sand and crush it between two hard tooth plates in their mouths. 12... A type of ray commonly found near coral reefs throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Ocean a total 28... New International Partnership to Save Endangered Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle other stingrays, the blue-spotted rays. And local economies the water, and help Save the whales stab predators most aquarists reach found to., behavior & aquarium compatibility shrimp, and check back for more Features. Stingray native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility at least one hiding place under a overhang. Between two hard tooth plates in their mouths. also commonly referred to as the bluespotted stingray is called! Ray please stand up under ledges comparison to most ray species, but still require a 180 or...
Eskimo Jacket Mens, Pure Cotton Golf Shirts, Frozen Mudslide Recipe Without Ice Cream, How To Get To Abandoned Highway Ct, Jalapeno Habanero Sauce, Room For Rent Near York University Village, Trader Joe's White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Procedural Design Example, Gold Circle Vector, God Of War 5 Cheats Ps4,