Bluespotted Fantail Ray, Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775)

Introduction

The Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a common species throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific. It occurs in shallow tropical marine waters, feeding on molluscs on the rising tide.

Identification

The Bluespotted 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.

Habitat

In occurs in shallow tropical marine waters.

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.

Feeding and diet

Bluespotted 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.

References

1. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.