Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue spotted lagoon ray (Taeniura lymma) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The bluespotted ribbontail ray is a small stingray of the family Dasyatidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm wide and has an oval, yellow-brown pectoral disc studded with conspicuous bright blue spots, and a tail with blue longitudinal stripes. It lives around coral reefs and at high tide moves in groups onto shallow sand flats to forage on molluscs, worms, shrimps and crabs. On the tail are one or two serrated, venomous spines. Although not aggressive, a sting can cause severe pain and a deep wound; never step on a resting ray and keep your distance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue spotted lagoon ray?
The Blue spotted lagoon ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Bright blue spots on the disc and blue tail stripes; one or two serrated, venomous tail spines.
Where does the Blue spotted lagoon ray live?
The Blue spotted lagoon ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral reefs and adjacent shallow sand flats.
How big does the Blue spotted lagoon ray get?
The Blue spotted lagoon ray grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Blue spotted lagoon ray dangerous to humans?
The Blue spotted lagoon ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The serrated tail spine contains venom; a sting causes severe pain and a deep wound. Immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C), do not pull out an embedded spine yourself, and seek medical care.
Is the Blue spotted lagoon ray edible?
The Blue spotted lagoon ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Taeniura
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue spotted lagoon ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue spotted lagoon ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.