Common names

Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray, Bluespotted Stingray.

Binomial

Neotrygon moluccensis.

Synonyms

Neotrygon kuhlii, Dasyatis kuhlii.

Identification

Like many other blue spotted neotrygonid rays, the Moluccan Bluespotted Maskray was elevated to species status solely on the basis of DNA analysis (Borsa 2017). Collectively, bluespotted neotrygonids share certain traits such as: Relatively small size compared to other stingrays. Kite-shaped disc that is slightly wider than long. Short, bluntly angular snout, without an extended tip. Weakly convex anterior margins of disc. Angular pectoral fin apices. Large pelvic fins with narrowly rounded apices. Large protruding eyes. Small mouth with prominent labial furrows and folds. Narrow, skirt-shaped nasal curtain with an undulate and heavily fringed posterior margin.
Broad tail, depressed at base, tapering gently to caudal sting, then thin but firm to tip. No prickly denticles on tail. Tail length (when intact) about 1.5 x disc width. Long, low ventral finfold. Short dorsal finfold. 1-2 tail stings usually present.

Colour

Dorsum pale brown or brownish-grey with numerous eye-sized blue spots (often with paler centres) and a few scattered very small black specs. Blue spots are mostly absent from midline area and disc margin. Dark brown band across eyes. Posterior margin of dark band forms a ‘B’ shape between eyes. Pale patches directly behind eyes sometimes present. Ventrum white with a greyish submarginal band.
Tail light blue anteriorly, changing to black beyond ventral fin fold, then mostly white with irregular thin black bands to tip.

Size

Maximum disc width unknown