Animal Spotlight
Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray
Taeniura lymma
Shy But Striking
The bluespotted ribbontail ray may appear dazzling with its bright blue spots, but those markings serve as a warning, not an invitation. This small ray, just 12–14 inches across, prefers to swim away when approached, but is perfectly equipped to defend itself with a venomous tail spine that can deliver a painful sting if threatened. Often mistaken for the blue-spotted maskray, ribbontails are rounder with thicker tails. They forage in sandy areas near reefs, using electroreception to detect hidden crabs, shrimp, and mollusks.
Habitat
Reefs, sandy flats, and intertidal zones throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean
Diet
Mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and small fishes
Predators
Hammerhead shark
Conservation Status
Least Concern/Near Threatened
Phylum
Chordata
Meet the Neighbors
Bluespotted ribbontail rays can be found in Stingray Beach, where they share a habitat with a blue angelfish and a variety of rays, including the cownose stingray.
Cownose Stingray
With graceful, wing-like fins, cownose rays use their powerful jaws to crush the hard shells of their prey.
Blue Angelfish
Colorful and bold, blue angelfish stand out with their vibrant hues and striking shape.
Ready to Visit?
Touch cownose stingrays and vibe with angelfish, a bluespotted ribbontail ray, and more.