The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Blue-spotted Ribbontail Stingray, scientifically known as Taeniura lymma, is a captivating ray species renowned for its striking appearance and graceful movements. This marine creature, often encountered in shallow coastal waters, showcases a unique blend of beauty and adaptability.
Description & Characteristics
Taeniura lymma is a relatively small ray species, reaching a maximum size of 35.0 cm. Its distinctive features include a flattened, diamond-shaped body with a prominent, whip-like tail. The dorsal surface, characterized by a deep blue background, is adorned with numerous, bright blue spots, a feature that lends its name to the species. The ventral side of the body, in contrast, is a pale white. The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray possesses a pair of pectoral fins, which are fused to the head, creating a wing-like appearance and facilitating graceful movements through the water.
Habitat and Occurrence
Taeniura lymma exhibits a preference for shallow, coastal habitats, typically found in the Intertidal (Eulittoral), intertidal zone between the high and low tide lines characterized by the alternation of low and high tides.. Its depth range extends from 1.0 to 20.0 meters, making it a common sight in both shallow, sandy bottoms and rocky reefs. This species is particularly well-adapted to the fluctuations in water levels characteristic of the intertidal zone, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability to diverse aquatic environments.
Taxonomy
The species Taeniura lymma belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Dasyatidae. This classification places it within the broader group of cartilaginous fishes, characterized by their skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone. Taeniura lymma, like other members of its family, is distinguished by its flattened body shape, prominent tail, and stinging barb located at the base of the tail.
Distribution and Occurrence
The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Blue-spotted Ribbontail Stingray, scientifically known as Taeniura lymma, is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. This species is particularly common in the coral reefs and shallow coastal waters of Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the warmth of the tropics.
Feeding
Taeniura lymma is a carnivorous ray species, feeding primarily on a diet of benthic organisms. Its feeding habits include:
- Clam meat
- Crabs
- Fish (little fishes)
- Schrimps
- Shrimps
- Worms
The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray utilizes its sharp, flattened teeth to crush and grind its prey, extracting nutrients from various marine invertebrates and small fishes. Its foraging behavior often involves using its sensitive rostral lobes, which are located on its snout, to detect the presence of buried prey.
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