Blue-spotted ribbontail ray
This species is common throughout the tropical Indian and Western Pacific oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. The blue-spotted ribbontail ray is a bottom-dwelling species that frequents coral reefs and adjacent sandy flats. It is also commonly encountered in the intertidal zone and tidal pools, and has been sighted near seagrass beds.
Our rays are fed a mix of chopped up fish, squid and mussel meat. They are fed three times a day with the main feed at lunchtime (12.30pm).
Their mouth is on the underside of their body. They have many small teeth that are arranged in plates and are designed to crush its victim. The ray can capture its prey by pinning it down with it's wing-like fins or by scooping up those that hide in the sand. Prey includes small fish, worms, shrimp, molluscs and crabs.
Generally spends the day hidden alone inside caves or under coral ledges or other debris, often with only its tail showing. During rising tides, it migrates in small aggregations onto shallow sandy areas in search of prey.
Breeding in the blue-spotted ribbontail ray occurs from late spring to summer; the male follows the female and nips at her disc, eventually biting and holding onto her for copulation.
Females give birth to up to seven young per litter after a gestation period of 4-12 months (exact length unknown).
Main threats are widespread habitat degradation of caral reefs and intensive fishing pressure throughout its range.
We have one of the best breeding programmes in Europe, but due to great success it is currently on hold. However, there are no specific conservation projects ongoing with this species.
- Latin Name: Taeniura lymma
- Order: Myliobatiformes
- Family: Dasyatidae
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
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