Bluespotted Maskray

Overview

The Bluespotted Maskray is a medium-sized stingray characterized by its rhomboidal, greenish disc marked with distinctive blue spots and a pronounced dark, mask-like band across its eyes. It is part of a complex of closely related species, often leading to historical confusion with other similar-looking rays.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily found in the tropical waters of the Southwest Pacific, particularly around the Solomon Islands, though its exact range is subject to ongoing scientific refinement. It typically inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms near coral or rocky reefs and seagrass beds. While often found in deeper waters, individuals frequently move into shallow lagoons and reef flats during high tide.

Appearance

The ray features a disc that is broader than it is long, with narrowly rounded pectoral fin apices. Its snout is fleshy and broadly angular. A key identifying feature is the thin tail, which is longer than the disc and displays an alternating black and white pattern near the tip. Unlike some other rays, it lacks dermal denticles on its body.

Biology & behavior

Generally solitary, this ray is known to occasionally bury itself in the sand, leaving only its eyes and tail exposed. It possesses a venomous tail spine capable of inflicting painful wounds. The species is ovoviviparous, meaning embryos develop inside the mother, receiving nourishment from yolk and specialized uterine secretions before birth.

Feeding

The Bluespotted Maskray is a benthic feeder, primarily preying on small crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps, as well as polychaete worms.