I approached this bluespotted ribbontail stingray (Taeniura lymma: 30 cms.) somewhat too quickly and it felt threatened, hence the defensive posture. These rays are usually seen resting during the day under coral outcrops. They feed nocturnally on small fish and invertebrates, for which they root in the sand. As with many brightly coloured animals, their distinctive appearance represents a warning to predators; the venomous tail spine can inflict a very painful wound. The species has a widespread distribution in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Photographed in the Egyptian Red Sea.

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Size: 4478px × 3073px
Location: Near Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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