Fish
Bluespotted Fantail Ray
Taeniura lymmaAlso known as Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray
The Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a small reef ray marked with electric-blue spots and blue stripes along its tail. By day it often rests beneath ledges or moves over sand to uncover bottom-dwelling prey.
Reef RayBlue SpotsBottom Feeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrabs, Shrimps, Marine worms
Predators
- Large sharks
- Large groupers
ThreatsIncidental fishing, reef degradation, and coastal pollution
HabitatsCoral reefs, sandy lagoons, seagrass beds, and reef flats
Life spanLikely more than a decade; exact longevity remains uncertain
Classification
- FamilyDasyatidae
- SpeciesTaeniura lymma
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- A tail spine can inject venom; never touch, corner, or step near a resting ray.
- Why it is dangerous
- The defensive tail spine can cause a deep puncture and introduce painful venom.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm a flattened ray with vivid blue spots and a long blue-striped tail.
- What to do
- Never handle or restrain the ray; seek urgent medical care after a spine injury.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Remain several body lengths away and never block escape.
- Sand: Shuffle carefully in shallow water where rays may be concealed.
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