Japanese Bluespotted Maskray (Neotrygon yakkoei) ヤッコエイ – size WD 43cm
The Japanese Bluespotted Maskray has a dark mash through the eyes, greenish brown body, blue spots with dark borders, and black and white bands on the tail. I had seen this kind of ray before but not able to get identifiable photos. These are at least identifiable. Amami 2026
Japanese Bluespotted Maskray taking off. There are barbs on the tail, so it is best to not get too close. This one was in about 10m of water so not much danger of stepping on it there. Amami 2026
The Japanese Bluespotted Maskray had been known as N. orientalis or N. kuhlii in the past. In 2025 it was accepted as a new species found in Japan. N. orientalis and N. kuhlii are no longer considered to be in Japan. The common name ヤッコエイ has not changed. The three species are closely related. Amami 2026