Taeniura lymma
Taeniura lymma
Written by Tuesday, 15 September 2009 00:00
See photoalbum of Taeniura lymma.
General
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Scientific Name or classification |
Taeniura lymma (Forsskål, 1775)
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Common Name |
Bluespotted stingray, Bluespotted ribbontail ray, Blue Spotted Fantail Stingray, Blue Spotted Lagoon Ray. |
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Synonyms |
Raja lymma (Forsskål, 1775); Trygon ornatus (Gray, 1830) |
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Family |
Dasyatidae |
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Type Locality |
Red Sea |
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Etymology |
Taeniura from Greek taenia (ταινία) = ribbon and oura (ουρά) = tail (Ribbontail). |
Species Information
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Size (TL or SL in cm) |
Max. length: 70 cm, Disk size: 50 cm. Far larger animals have also been reported in the wild (Debelius, Red Sea Reef Guide). |
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Identification |
A colourful stingray with large bright blue spots on an oval, elongated disc and with blue side-stripes along the tail; snout rounded and angular, disc with broadly rounded outer corners, and tail stout, tapering and less than twice body length when intact, with a broad lower caudal finfold reaching the tail tip; disc with no large thorns but with small, flat denticles along midback (in adults); usually 1 medium-sized sting on tail further behind base than in most stingrays. Grey-brown to yellow, olive-green or reddish brown dorsally, white ventrally. (3) |
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Sexing |
No sexual dimorphism or visible marks. |
Habitat
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Natural distribution |
Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea. Migrates in groups into shallow sandy areas during the rising tide to feed on mollusks, worms, shrimps, and crabs; disperses on falling tide to seek shelter in caves and under ledges. Typically found in water with a depth of 0 to 100 meters. |
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pH |
Standard synthetic marine saltwater. |
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Temperature |
25o-26oC |
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Other parameters |
Tropical marine tank parameters, actual habitat parameters depend on site of collection. |
Husbandry
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Feeding |
Nocturnal, feeds on worms, shrimp and hermit crabs. In captivity it may prove difficult to feed. Offer live grass shrimp or marine worms to initiate a feeding response. Some individuals will accept fresh shrimp, scallop or marine fish flesh impaled on a feeding stick or dropped on the substrate. Feed once daily. |
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Compatibility |
Will eat ornamental crustaceans and small fish. |
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Suggested |
None. |
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Furniture |
Provide ample swimming space, a large open area with sand, and little or no decoration with the exception of a secure ledge under which it can hide. |
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Suitability for |
The fish is not recommended for the home aquarium unless a very large tank is used to house it. |
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Recommended |
300 gallons (1.136 L) wide tank. |
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Behaviour in |
With its electric blue spots and its graceful swimming habits this species is a delight to see in the aquarium. Having said that, this fish is a challenge for the fishkeeper to acclimatize and keep properly. |
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Other remarks |
Though this fish is readily available it rarely survives in the home aquarium. Causes of death include shipping trauma, being kept in too-small quarters, lack of oxygen, scratches and subsequent infections. Apart from that, many specimens never accept food, others do but then cease to do so and perish for no apparent reason. |
Breeding
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Breeding |
Not reported in captivity. |
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References / Citations:
1. Wetwebmedia
2. Scott W. Michael, Marine Fishes. A pocket Expert Guide, Microcosm Ltd & TFH Publications Inc., USA, 2001.
4. Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge, 9, 1998
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