Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernBluespotted Fantail Ray at a glance
The Bluespotted Fantail Ray (Taeniura lymma) is a marine animal in the family Dasyatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, West Papua. Diet: bottom-feeder on molluscs, worms, shrimps and crabs; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Taeniura lymma |
|---|---|
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Observation records | North Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, West Papua |
| Taxonomic group | Myliobatiformes |
| GBIF records | 340 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — bottom-feeder on molluscs, worms, shrimps and crabs · FishBase |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · FishBase |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · FishBase: Taeniura lymma species summary |
In this guide (12)
What is the Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
Bluespotted Fantail Ray refers to Taeniura lymma, in the genus Taeniura, 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 Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
The bluespotted fantail ray inhabits Indo-Pacific reefs; blue spots should be checked with disc and tail shape to separate similar maskrays.
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 Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 340 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 Nusa Tenggara, West Papua. 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 Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
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 Fantail Ray with Bluespotted Maskray, Oriental Bluespotted Maskray, Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray. 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 Fantail Ray
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Myliobatiformes |
| Family | Dasyatidae |
| Genus | Taeniura |
| Species | Taeniura lymma |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Bluespotted Fantail Ray
What is the scientific name of the Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
The scientific name of the Bluespotted Fantail Ray is Taeniura lymma, in the family Dasyatidae and the order Myliobatiformes.
What kind of animal is the Bluespotted Fantail Ray?
The Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a marine animal in the family Dasyatidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a bottom-feeder on molluscs, worms, shrimps and crabs.
Where does the Bluespotted Fantail Ray live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Bluespotted Fantail Ray summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Bluespotted Fantail Ray eat?
The Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a bottom-feeder on molluscs, worms, shrimps and crabs. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: FishBase.
How does the Bluespotted Fantail Ray reproduce?
The Bluespotted Fantail Ray reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Bears up to 7 pups; embryos first use yolk, then receive nutritious uterine fluid (aplacental viviparity). Source: FishBase.
Is the Bluespotted Fantail Ray venomous?
Yes. The Bluespotted Fantail Ray is venomous. Venom is delivered through the sting on its tail. Source: FishBase: Taeniura lymma species summary.
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 Fantail Ray?
Scientific classification of the Bluespotted Fantail Ray: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Myliobatiformes, family Dasyatidae, genus Taeniura, species Taeniura lymma.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Bluespotted Fantail Ray endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Bluespotted Fantail Ray 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), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- FishBase ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
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Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Bluespotted Fantail Ray (Taeniura lymma). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/taeniura-lymma/