Round ribbontail ray (Taeniurops meyeni) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–500 m.
Scientific name: Taeniurops meyeni · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 330 cm
The round ribbontail ray is a dasyatid that can exceed 3 m across - the record is 330 cm - maturing at about 105 cm, with very slow population recovery and a fishing vulnerability of 77 out of 100. It is not normally aggressive, but it has been responsible for at least one human death, so its tail deserves respect. It is ovoviviparous and feeds on bottom fishes, bivalves, crabs and shrimps, usually alone or in loose groups and often with jacks and cobia nearby. It ranges from shallow lagoons to outer reef slopes, most often at 20-60 m. IUCN lists it as Vulnerable.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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