Fin's Fish Guide
The Tentacled butterfly ray (Gymnura tentaculata) is a saltwater fish of the family Gymnuridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The tentacled butterfly ray is a butterfly ray (Gymnuridae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1 metre wide and has a strongly flattened, broad diamond-shaped, sandy-brown body much wider than it is long, with a short tail and small skin tentacles by the spiracles. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and seizes small fish and crustaceans. The short tail bears a venomous spine that can give a painful sting wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tentacled butterfly ray?
The Tentacled butterfly ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Tentacled butterfly ray live?
The Tentacled butterfly ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India, Papua New Guinea
How big does the Tentacled butterfly ray get?
The Tentacled butterfly ray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Tentacled butterfly ray dangerous to humans?
The Tentacled butterfly ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the tail spine: rinse the wound with seawater, apply pressure to limit bleeding and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). The wound is often deep and may contain spine fragments; seek medical care, have the wound cleaned and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnura
More from the family Gymnuridae
Want the complete picture on the Tentacled butterfly ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tentacled butterfly ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.