Blue-Spotted Stingray

Spotting the Beautiful Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma) in Marsa Alam

For divers and snorkelers exploring the incredible underwater landscapes of Marsa Alam, the sight of a Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma) is always a moment of pure delight. These exquisitely patterned creatures are among the most visually striking rays in the Red Sea, instantly recognizable by their vibrant blue spots set against a sandy, yellowish, or olive-green background. Their graceful movements as they glide over the seabed or hide amongst coral rubble make them a captivating subject for any underwater enthusiast. Marsa Alam, with its clear, warm waters and diverse habitats, offers fantastic opportunities to safely observe these beautiful stingrays. Sambo Divers Marsa Alam invites you to discover their unique charm on your next Red Sea adventure.

The Distinctive Beauty of the Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma)

The Blue-Spotted Stingray is truly a jewel of the reef. Their most prominent feature is their flat, oval-shaped body, which can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in width, with a total length including the tail of around 70 cm (28 inches). What truly sets them apart are the striking, electric-blue spots that dot their upper surface, contrasting vividly with their base color. This vibrant patterning serves as a warning to potential predators of their venomous tail spines.

Their tails are relatively thick at the base, tapering to a whip-like tip, and typically bear two venomous spines. Despite these defensive weapons, Blue-Spotted Stingrays are generally not aggressive. They are curious by nature and often allow divers and snorkelers to approach within a respectful distance, provided they feel unthreatened. Their eyes are located on top of their head, giving them excellent peripheral vision, while their mouths are on the underside.

Habitat and Behavior in Marsa Alam’s Red Sea

Blue-Spotted Stingrays are typically found in shallow, sandy areas adjacent to coral reefs, rubble zones, seagrass beds, and even lagoons. Their preferred depth range is usually between 1 to 20 meters (3 to 65 feet), making them accessible for both divers and snorkelers in Marsa Alam.

Their behavior is fascinating to observe:

• Master of Camouflage: During the day, they often lie partially or fully buried in the sand, with only their eyes protruding, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting prey. Their coloration provides excellent camouflage against the sandy seabed.
• Nocturnal Foraging: While sometimes active during the day, they are primarily nocturnal hunters. At night, they become more active, moving over the sand and rummaging through sediment with their snouts to uncover prey.
• Diet: They feed on small benthic invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), and small fish that live on or just beneath the sandy bottom.
• Graceful Movement: When they do move, they do so with incredible grace, undulating their pectoral fins like wings to glide effortlessly through the water, stirring up minimal sand. This elegant movement is a joy to witness.

Where to Spot Blue-Spotted Stingrays (Taeniura lymma) in Marsa Alam

Given their preference for sandy bottoms near reefs, several sites in Marsa Alam offer reliable sightings of Blue-Spotted Stingrays:

• Abu Dabbab: Famous for its dugongs and turtles, Abu Dabbab Bay also features extensive sandy areas and seagrass beds interspersed with coral patches, making it a prime location to spot these rays.
• Marsa Mubarak: Similar to Abu Dabbab, the shallow, clear waters and sandy bottom of Marsa Mubarak are ideal habitats for Blue-Spotted Stingrays.
• Local House Reefs: Many of the house reefs directly accessible from resorts and dive centers in Marsa Alam feature sandy patches adjacent to coral walls, which are perfect hunting grounds for these rays. Look carefully near coral heads or where sand meets the reef.
• Shallow Lagoons and Sheltered Bays: Anywhere with calm, sandy bottoms and nearby reef structures will likely host these stingrays.

Respecting the Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma) and Safe Interactions in Marsa Alam

While undeniably beautiful, it’s crucial to remember that the Blue-Spotted Stingray is venomous. Its tail bears two spines capable of delivering a painful sting if the ray feels threatened or is stepped on. Divers and snorkelers should always adhere to strict safety guidelines:

• Maintain Distance: Always observe from a respectful distance. Never attempt to touch, chase, or provoke any marine life, especially stingrays.
• Shuffle Your Feet: When walking in sandy shallows, shuffle your feet to give any buried stingrays a chance to swim away, preventing accidental encounters.
• Look Before You Step: When exiting the water or moving in shallow areas, always look down to ensure no stingrays are present.
• Perfect Buoyancy: For divers, excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid stirring up sand, which can disturb the stingray, and to prevent accidental contact with the seabed.
• Listen to Your Guide: Our Sambo Divers guides are experts in Red Sea marine life and responsible diving practices. Always follow their instructions.

Encountering a Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma) in Marsa Alam is a privilege that highlights the vibrant biodiversity of the Red Sea. Their stunning appearance and graceful movements offer an unforgettable experience. Join Sambo Divers Marsa Alam for an incredible journey into the heart of the Red Sea, where you can safely appreciate these beautiful creatures and countless other wonders.