Bluespotted Ribbontail Stingray

Taeniura lymma 

Habitat & Distribution :  Reefs & coasts of the Indo-West Pacific

Diet : Clams, crustaceans, molluscs, fish 

Size : 35 cm

Lifespan: 10-25 years

Description

It is recognized by its oval, yellowish-brown to greenish-olive pectoral fin disc covered in numerous brilliant neon blue spots, which are typically smaller and denser toward the edges. 

Behavior

These rays will swim in groups at high tide to feed in shallow waters, before separating again to hide at low tide. 

Reproduction

They are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young that develop in eggs inside the mother's body. Breeding typically occurs from late spring to summer, with gestation lasting 4 to 12 months, resulting in litters of up to seven pups that are born fully developed. 

Communication & Perception

Blue-spotted ribbontail rays communicate and perceive their environment primarily through specialized sensory systems, most notably electroreception. Their bright coloration also serves as a passive visual signal to predators. 

Predator(s)

 Hammerhead sharks, bull Sharks, bottlenose dolphins