What Divers Should Know About Kuhl’s Stingray

Kuhl's Stingray, often recognized as the blue-spotted maskray, presents a distinctive sight on many Indo-Pacific reefs. Its flat, rhomboidal body can reach up to 47 centimeters in diameter, displaying a beautiful dark green hue adorned with vibrant blue spots. This striking coloration serves as a clear warning; like other stingrays, it possesses two venomous spines at the base of its long tail. These fascinating rays can live for up to 13 years.

Divers commonly spot Kuhl's Stingrays in waters shallower than 90 meters, frequenting sandy and muddy flats, but also often seen near rocky coral reefs and seagrass beds. They are primarily solitary individuals, though occasionally observed in groups. Unlike many other stingrays that regularly bury themselves to ambush prey, Kuhl's Stingrays typically only conceal themselves in the sand when hiding from predators. Keep an eye out for their bright yellow eyes just above the sand, or their characteristic outline as they glide over the seafloor.