Bluespotted stingray

The bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii), also called Kuhl's maskray, is a marine cartilaginous fish of the family Dasyatidae, native to reefs and sandy areas of the Indo-Pacific. It has a diamond-shaped disc patterned with bright blue spots over a greenish-brown base and a long tail bearing venomous spines. It spends much of its time resting on or partly buried in sand. It is a shy, generally peaceful animal but a demanding captive that requires very large, specialized systems and is not suitable for typical home aquaria. A very large tank or pond with a broad open sand bed, no sharp decor, and pristine water quality is essential, along with room for the tail. It feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, requiring varied meaty foods target-fed to ensure it eats. Its venomous spine makes careful handling important. It is challenging to keep, and captive breeding is rare.