Bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is a saltwater species recorded in Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, coral, sand, at depths of 0–30 m.
Scientific name: Taeniura lymma · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 35 cm
Weight: up to 5 kg
The bluespotted ribbontail ray is a small dasyatid with a smooth oval disc, a short thick tail bearing a deep ventral fin fold, and an unmistakable pattern of electric-blue spots on a yellowish background plus a pair of blue stripes along the tail. It ranges from the intertidal zone down to about 30 m in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, sheltering on reefs by day and moving in small groups onto sand flats on the rising tide at night to root out molluscs, worms, shrimps, crabs and small fish. It is very common in Malaysia around Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang, the Perhentian Islands, Langkawi and the Semporna and Mabul areas of Sabah, where it is known as pari lalat. Shore anglers fishing prawn or fish strip on the bottom hook it by accident; because the tail carries venomous spines it should be dealt with using long pliers or by cutting the line, and most anglers release it on the spot.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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