Fin's Fish Guide
The Round ribbontail ray (Taeniurops meyeni) is a saltwater fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 330 cm.
Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
Description
The round ribbontail ray is a large stingray (Dasyatidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 3.3 metres including the tail and a disc about 1.8 metres wide, with a grey, dark-mottled and spotted upper surface. The tail carries one or more serrated venomous spines. As a bottom-dweller it lives around reefs and on sand flats and crushes molluscs, crustaceans and fish. It is not aggressive, but the tail spine can inflict a severely painful, venomous wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Round ribbontail ray?
The Round ribbontail ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Round ribbontail ray live?
The Round ribbontail ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
How big does the Round ribbontail ray get?
The Round ribbontail ray grows to a maximum of about 330 cm.
Is the Round ribbontail ray dangerous to humans?
The Round ribbontail ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not step on the tail or grab the fish by the tail. For a sting: immediately immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the protein venom; have any retained spine fragments removed. Pain is severe: always seek medical help and check tetanus status.
Is the Round ribbontail ray edible?
Yes, the Round ribbontail ray is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Round ribbontail ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round ribbontail ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Round ribbontail ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round ribbontail ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.