# Bluespotted Maskray

> Bluespotted Maskray (Neotrygon caeruleopunctata). The bluespotted maskray belongs to a taxonomically revised Neotrygon complex; blue spots alone do not establish species identity without form and locality.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neotrygon-caeruleopunctata/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/neotrygon-caeruleopunctata/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Bluespotted Maskray (*Neotrygon caeruleopunctata*) is a marine animal in the family Dasyatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, Lampung, Bengkulu. Diet: bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Neotrygon caeruleopunctata* |
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Observation records | Bali, Lampung, Bengkulu |
| Taxonomic group | Myliobatiformes |
| GBIF records | 208 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9612495) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps) · [FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neotrygon-kuhlii.html) |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · [FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neotrygon-kuhlii.html) |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · [Han et al. 2017, The Cardiovascular and Neurotoxic Effects of the Venoms of Six Bony and Cartilaginous Fish Species (Toxins 9:67)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5331446/) |

## What is the Bluespotted Maskray?

Bluespotted Maskray refers to Neotrygon caeruleopunctata, in the genus Neotrygon, family Dasyatidae, and order Myliobatiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9612495)

## What is known about the Bluespotted Maskray?

The bluespotted maskray belongs to a taxonomically revised Neotrygon complex; blue spots alone do not establish species identity without form and locality.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Peer-reviewed Neotrygon taxonomic comparison](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12463764/)

## How many Indonesian records name the Bluespotted Maskray?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 208 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9612495&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, Lampung, Bengkulu. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9612495&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Bluespotted Maskray?

In the water, keep space, do not chase or touch, and avoid blocking the animal’s route. Record place and date; photographs cannot estimate how many individuals live throughout a sea area. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Bluespotted Maskray with Oriental Bluespotted Maskray, Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray, Bluespotted Fantail Ray. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Bluespotted Maskray

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Myliobatiformes |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Genus | *Neotrygon* |
| Species | *Neotrygon caeruleopunctata* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Bluespotted Maskray

### What is the scientific name of the Bluespotted Maskray?

The scientific name of the Bluespotted Maskray is *Neotrygon caeruleopunctata*, in the family Dasyatidae and the order Myliobatiformes.

### What kind of animal is the Bluespotted Maskray?

The Bluespotted Maskray is a marine animal in the family Dasyatidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps).

### Where does the Bluespotted Maskray live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Bluespotted Maskray summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, Lampung, Bengkulu. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Bluespotted Maskray eat?

The Bluespotted Maskray is a bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neotrygon-kuhlii.html).

### How does the Bluespotted Maskray reproduce?

The Bluespotted Maskray reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Pups are born live (the 'Bali form', now N. caeruleopunctata, is born at about 17 cm disc width); embryos also receive nutritious uterine fluid. Source: [FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neotrygon-kuhlii.html).

### Is the Bluespotted Maskray venomous?

Yes. The Bluespotted Maskray is venomous. The spine on its tail can sting; the tail barb of the closely related blue-spotted maskray (Neotrygon kuhlii) is proven to carry venom. Source: [Han et al. 2017, The Cardiovascular and Neurotoxic Effects of the Venoms of Six Bony and Cartilaginous Fish Species (Toxins 9:67)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5331446/).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### What is the scientific classification of the Bluespotted Maskray?

Scientific classification of the Bluespotted Maskray: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Myliobatiformes, family Dasyatidae, genus *Neotrygon*, species *Neotrygon caeruleopunctata*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Bluespotted Maskray endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Bluespotted Maskray is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9612495), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Bluespotted Maskray is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9612495)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9612495&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [Peer-reviewed Neotrygon taxonomic comparison](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12463764/)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/786235)
5. [FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neotrygon-kuhlii.html)
6. [Han et al. 2017, The Cardiovascular and Neurotoxic Effects of the Venoms of Six Bony and Cartilaginous Fish Species (Toxins 9:67)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5331446/)
7. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Oriental Bluespotted Maskray](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neotrygon-orientale/)
- [Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neotrygon-moluccensis/)
- [Bluespotted Fantail Ray](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/taeniura-lymma/)
- [Whitetip Reef Shark](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/triaenodon-obesus/)
- [Oceanic Manta Ray](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/mobula-birostris/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Bluespotted Maskray. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neotrygon-caeruleopunctata/