ray confused ray species family found zone depth species common tropical indian western coral reef associated habitats fairly small ray exceeding width smooth oval pectoral fin disc large protruding eyes relatively short thick tail deep fin fold underneath easily identified striking color pattern electric blue spots yellowish background pair blue stripes tail night small groups rays follow rising tide sandy flats root small benthic invertebrates bony fishes sediment tide rays separate withdraw shelters reef reproduction viviparous females giving birth litters seven young ray capable injuring humans tail spines prefers flee threatened beauty size ray popular private despite poorly suited captivity listed species faces widespread habitat degradation intensive fishing pressure range taxonomy phylogeny ray originally described swedish naturalist etc specific epithet means dirt designate type specimen german created genus known junior synonym species common names species include ray ray ray ray lesser ray ray reef ray ribbon tailed morphological examination suggested ray closely related american river ray closer distribution habitat widespread waters tropical ray range extends periphery indian_ocean south_africa southeast_asia including madagascar mauritius sri_lanka rare pacific_ocean species found philippines northern australia numerous islands far east rarely found deeper ray dwelling species coral reefs adjacent sandy flats commonly encountered zone tidal pools sighted near beds summer considerable numbers rays arrive south_africa description pectoral fin disc ray oval shape wide long rounded broadly angular snout large protruding eyes immediately followed broad narrow skin fringed posterior margin reaching past mouth lower jaw middle deep furrows present mouth corners tooth rows jaw arranged pavement like plates large floor mouth pelvic fins narrow angular thick depressed tail measures times disc length bears usually spines tail base deep fin fold ventral surface reaching tip tail low ridge upper surface skin generally smooth save scattering small middle dorsal coloration striking consisting numerous circular neon blue spots yellowish brown green background spots vary size smaller disc margin tail stripes blue running far spines eyes bright yellow belly white individuals found southern africa lack blue tail stripes ray grows long biology ecology abundant inhabiting reefs ray generally spends day hidden inside caves coral debris including tail showing night small groups assemble swim shallow sandy flats rising tide feed unlike species seldom sand ray sand pits search worms crabs small benthic bony fishes prey located trapped body ray mouth disc fishes frequently follow foraging rays seeking food missed ray breeding ray occurs late spring summer male follows female disc eventually biting holding documented instance male holding disc smaller male possible case mistaken identity adult males observed gathering shallow water relate reproduction like species viviparous embryos initially sustained yolk later development supplemented milk containing fat proteins produced mother gestation period uncertain thought months long females bear litters seven young miniature version adult measuring males attain sexual maturity disc width maturation size females unknown known predators ray include sharks potentially preyed large fishes marine mammals threatened ray tends flee high speed pattern throw numerous parasites identified species ray observed cleaner raising margins disc pelvic fins human interactions humans ray capable inflicting wound tail spines attractive appearance relatively small size resulted common found home trade seldom captivity able maintain long specimens refuse feed seemingly healthy individuals die stop feeding higher degree success achieved public breeding project maintained example total born ray utilized food southeast_asia australia captured intentionally incidentally spears fence traps assessed ray relatively common widely distributed species faces continuing degradation coral reef habitat range development destructive fishing practices dynamite addition populations heavy pressure commercial fisheries local collecting trade
Bluespotted ribbontail ray