Bluespotted stingrays

The bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii), also known as the bluespotted maskray, Kuhl`s maskray or Kuhl`s stingray, is a species of stingray of the family Dasyatidae. It was recently changed from Dasyatis kuhlii in 2008 after morphological and molecular analyses show that it is part of a distinct genus, Neotrygon. The body is rhomboidal and colored green with blue spots. Maximum disk width is estimated 46.5 centimeters (18.3 in). It is popular in aquaria but usually not distinguished from the bluespotted ribbontail ray. The ribbontail has a rounded body, is a brighter green with brighter blue and more vivid spots, but the bluespotted stingray is larger. The stingray"s lifespan is estimated thirteen years of age for females and ten years for males. The bluespotted stingray preys on many fish and small mollusks. The bluespotted stingray is also generally found from Indonesia to Japan, and most of Australia. The bluespotted stingray is also targeted by many parasites such as tapeworms, flatworms, and flukes.

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