Taeniurops meyeni
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
5-60 meters
The marble ray, also known as the round ribbontail ray or blotched fantail ray, is one of the largest stingray species encountered in Komodo National Park. With disc widths exceeding 1.5 metres, these imposing rays are beautifully patterned with a marbled mix of dark blotches on a lighter background that provides surprisingly effective camouflage on sandy and rubble substrates. In Komodo, marble rays are regularly encountered resting on sandy patches at the base of reef walls or cruising slowly over the bottom at current-swept sites. They are particularly common at southern dive sites where cooler, nutrient-rich waters attract them. Unlike the smaller blue-spotted stingray, marble rays are often less skittish and may allow patient divers a closer approach. They feed by hovering over sandy substrate and using suction to extract buried invertebrates. Their long tail carries a venomous barb that can cause serious injury, so while they are generally placid, respectful distance should always be maintained.
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Average Size
1-1.3m disc width
Size Range
0.6-1.8m disc width
Maximum Size
1.8m disc width, up to 150kg
Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates including crabs, shrimp, molluscs, and worms. Uses suction to extract prey buried in sandy substrates, often leaving distinctive feeding depressions in the sand.
The marble ray, also known as the round ribbontail ray or blotched fantail ray, is one of the largest stingray species encountered in Komodo National Park. With disc widths exceeding 1.5 metres, these imposing rays are beautifully patterned with a marbled mix of dark blotches on a lighter background that provides surprisingly effective camouflage on sandy and rubble substrates. In Komodo, marble rays are regularly encountered resting on sandy patches at the base of reef walls or cruising slowly over the bottom at current-swept sites. They are particularly common at southern dive sites where cooler, nutrient-rich waters attract them. Unlike the smaller blue-spotted stingray, marble rays are often less skittish and may allow patient divers a closer approach. They feed by hovering over sandy substrate and using suction to extract buried invertebrates. Their long tail carries a venomous barb that can cause serious injury, so while they are generally placid, respectful distance should always be maintained.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Southern sites like Cannibal Rock, Nusa Kode, and Torpedo Alley are particularly good for marble ray encounters. They also appear at Manta Point and along sandy slopes at Tatawa Besar.
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