Quick answer
Oriental Bluespotted Maskray at a glance
The Oriental Bluespotted Maskray (Neotrygon orientale) is a marine animal in the family Dasyatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi. Diet: bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps); a carnivore.
| Scientific name | Neotrygon orientale |
|---|---|
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Observation records | North Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Myliobatiformes |
| GBIF records | 120 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| Maximum disc width | 38 cm · FishBase — Neotrygon orientalis |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps) · FishBase |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · FishBase |
| 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) |
In this guide (13)
Important taxonomic note
The spelling accepted by WoRMS, FishBase and the IUCN Red List is Neotrygon orientalis; “orientale” is an unaccepted spelling. The IUCN Red List lists the species as Least Concern.
Evidence: WoRMS — Neotrygon orientalis ↗
What is the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
Oriental Bluespotted Maskray refers to Neotrygon orientale, 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.
What is known about the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
The Oriental bluespotted maskray is reported from Indonesia and nearby countries; sources use orientale and orientalis spellings, so taxonomy should be cited.
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: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 120 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 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include North Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi. 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 ↗
How can you observe the Oriental 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 Oriental Bluespotted Maskray with Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray, 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 Oriental Bluespotted Maskray
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Myliobatiformes |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Genus | Neotrygon |
| Species | Neotrygon orientale |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray
What is the scientific name of the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
The scientific name of the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray is Neotrygon orientale, in the family Dasyatidae and the order Myliobatiformes.
What kind of animal is the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
The Oriental 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 Oriental Bluespotted Maskray live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray eat?
The Oriental Bluespotted Maskray is a bottom-feeder on crustaceans (crabs, shrimps). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: FishBase.
How does the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray reproduce?
The Oriental Bluespotted Maskray reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Pregnant females carry a single pup, born at about 12 cm disc width. Source: FishBase.
Is the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray venomous?
Yes. The Oriental 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).
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 Oriental Bluespotted Maskray?
Scientific classification of the Oriental Bluespotted Maskray: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Myliobatiformes, family Dasyatidae, genus Neotrygon, species Neotrygon orientale.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- WoRMS — Neotrygon orientalis ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- FishBase — Neotrygon orientalis ↗
- FishBase ↗
- FishBase ↗
- Han et al. 2017, The Cardiovascular and Neurotoxic Effects of the Venoms of Six Bony and Cartilaginous Fish Species (Toxins 9:67) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Oriental Bluespotted Maskray (Neotrygon orientale). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/neotrygon-orientale/