Bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Bluespotted fantail ray, Bluespotted lagoon ray, Ribbontail stingray, Fantail ray, Lagoon ray, Reef ray
Family
Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays)
Origin
Tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific, South Africa to South-East Asia and the Solomon Islands; coral reefs, sand flats and seagrass to 30 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
35 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
985 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank: floor area matters far more than height. Give a deep bed of fine, smooth sand (at least 5 cm) to bury in, little or no rockwork, guarded heaters and pump intakes, a tight lid, and strong filtration and aeration, as rays are messy feeders. Avoid copper-based treatments, which rays and their relatives tolerate poorly. The list suggests at least 260 US gallons (about 985 litres). The 35 cm figure is disc width; total length reaches about 80 cm. Water: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. These are general marine aquarium figures for a tropical species, not species-specific values from the sources. Keep nitrate low and oxygen high. Behaviour: by day it hides alone in caves or under ledges, moving onto shallow flats in small groups at night. Although it is the stingray most often sold to hobbyists, it rarely survives long in home aquaria: many stop eating and die. Public aquariums do better, and a European zoo breeding programme has produced pups. Not the same species as the bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii). Safety: the tail carries a venomous, serrated spine. A sting is very painful, though rarely dangerous to life. Never handle the ray by hand, net it with care, and get medical advice if stung. It has one or two spines. Conservation: IUCN Least Concern; threats include reef damage, fishing and collection for the aquarium trade. We suggest buyers think carefully before taking one on. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taeniuralymma). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Digs small bottom invertebrates (molluscs, worms, shrimps, crabs) and small fish from the sand. Many refuse food in captivity; try live or very fresh foods such as shrimp, clam and worms. The list notes force-feeding may help.

Breeding

Gives birth to live young nourished first by yolk then by uterine "milk"; litters of up to seven pups, 13–14 cm across. Has been bred in public aquaria (Lisbon Oceanarium, 2011–2013).

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish, and digs in the sand. Needs calm tankmates that will not compete hard for food.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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