ANIMAL SPECIES:Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775)
The Blue-spotted Fantail Ray is a common species throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific. It occurs in shallow tropical marine waters, feeding on molluscs with the rising tide.
Identification
The Blue-spotted Fantail Ray can be recognised by the blue spots on the disc and pelvic fins, and by the stripe along either side of the tail. There are usually two stings located well back on the tail.
Size range
The species grows to a length of 70 cm and a disc width of 30 cm.Distribution
It is a common species throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded in shallow tropical marine waters from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north, and south to the northern coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Blue-spotted Fantail Ray specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
In occurs in shallow tropical marine waters.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Blue-spotted Fantail Rays are known to migrate in large schools into shallow water to feed on molluscs on the rising tide. On the falling tide the fish move back into deeper water to shelter under ledges and in caves.
Classification
- Species:
- lymma
- Genus:
- Taeniura
- Family:
- Dasyatidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Blue-spotted Fantail Ray at Pulau Redang View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A close-up view of the eyes and spiracles View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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