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BlueSpotted Ribbontail Ray

Bright blue show-offs: The bluespotted ribbontail ray, also commonly called the bluespotted lagoon ray, is named for the striking blue spots covering their body. They are relatively shy, but if threatened, they will stand their ground and use their venomous tail to defend themselves!

 

Bluespotted ribbontail rays frequent the coral reefs and sandy flats in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, keeping close to the seafloor where they feed. These rays migrate in small groups during rising tide to hunt sandy areas, in search of mollusks, shrimp, crabs, worms, and small fish.  

While their body color ranges from hues of gray and brown to even green, yellow or reddish, all rays sport iconic bright blue spots along their backs as well as bright blue stripes along the sides of their tails. While their small size may not make for an intimidating appearance, their venomous barbs arm them against potential predators such as the hammerhead shark, but these rays generally prefer to flee than fight.

 

 

While these rays are considered to have a stable population, they are frequently caught both intentionally and accidentally in fisheries throughout the Indo-Pacific. As reef dwellers, climate changes also poses a threat, as rising ocean temperatures are causing large-scale bleaching events and area loss.

 

 

Management plans and catch limits are crucial to prevent overfishing and keep fisheries responsible. Oceana campaigns around the world to promote responsible fisheries and reduce bycatch. We also are working to stop dirty and dangerous offshore drilling, which pollutes our oceans and accelerates the climate crisis.  

 

 

 

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