Common name: Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray

General information

The Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Taeniura lymma, is a striking and popular species in the marine aquarium trade. Known for its vibrant blue spots on a yellowish-green to brown background, this ray adds a splash of color and activity to any tank. It is a demersal species, meaning it spends most of its time on the seafloor, often buried in sand during the day.

Care

Caring for a Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray requires a spacious tank with a soft sandy bottom to mimic its natural habitat. The aquarium should be large enough to allow for free movement, as this species can reach up to 35 centimeters in disc width. They are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of mollusks, worms, shrimps, and small fish. It is crucial to maintain pristine water conditions and stable parameters to keep these rays healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young after the eggs hatch internally. In the aquarium setting, breeding these rays can be challenging and is typically not attempted by casual hobbyists due to the need for large, species-specific systems and expert care.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships in the aquarium, in the wild, these rays may have cleaner fish and shrimps that remove parasites from their bodies. Observing such interactions in a home aquarium would require a carefully balanced ecosystem with compatible species.

Habitat

Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Solomon Islands, and north to Japan. They inhabit coral reefs and adjacent sandy areas, typically at depths of less than 30 meters. In the aquarium, replicating this environment with live rock formations and ample open sand areas is beneficial for their well-being.