information on the blue spotted ray

[zenfox8]

I'm curious to know if anyone on here keeps blue spotted rays. I don't want one myself, but I do keep reticulated rays in a freshwater tank, which are quite demanding even compared to a fully stocked 150g reef tank. If I ever lose my two freshwater rays, I'd be interested in converting my big tank to marine for one of these guys, unless they're really hard to keep, which I'm sure they are.

Wow, so now you're an expert on fish sizes just because you've seen them while diving. I'm not buying it. You can google all you want, but that doesn't make your claims true. Anyone can put anything on the internet, it doesn't mean it's accurate. I'd rather trust the scientific community, who have been studying these fish for centuries, than some random website or your friend's claims.

And by the way, the 35cm I mentioned is the disc size, not the total length. With the tail, it's up to 70cm, as I mentioned earlier. So, if you can find me a credible source that says the disc size can reach 100cm, I'd love to see it. Until then, I'm sticking with the facts.

And as for your personal attacks, they're not really necessary. I'm just trying to have a discussion about fish, not insult each other. But hey, if it makes you feel better to call me names, go ahead. I'm still going to keep sharing my knowledge and experience.

[bouldon]

You can keep throwing around those 'scientific' terms all you want, but I'm not buying it. To be honest, I find it quite pitiful that you spend all your time buried in books. It's almost as if you've got nothing better to do with your life.

Now, if you want to get all scientific, I've found a passage from a book by McEachran, published in 2004, on the Michigan Museum of Zoology webpage. I'll even highlight the relevant sentence for you: **"It can grow to a disc diameter of about 25 cm but has been reported as being as large as 95 cm in diameter."** Maybe you can use that to update your precious Fishbase article.

[zenfox8]

It's amusing to see you respond with personal attacks instead of addressing the facts. I suppose it's easier to deflect when you have no concrete evidence to back up your claims.

You mention that I spend all my time reading scientific literature, but it only took me a few seconds to find credible sources that contradict your claims about the size of Taeniura lymma. That's the difference between verifiable evidence and hearsay.

I'm not impressed by your diving experience or your claims of seeing large blue-spotted rays. Anyone can make claims, but it's the evidence that matters. And in this case, the scientific consensus is clear: the largest recorded size of Taeniura lymma is 35cm, not 100cm.

Your quote from McEachen's book is interesting, but it's not a reliable source for the maximum size of the species. The book mentions that the disc diameter can grow up to 25cm, and then mentions unconfirmed reports of larger sizes. But where's the evidence to back up these reports?

I'm not asking for anecdotal evidence or unsubstantiated claims. I'm asking for scientifically verifiable evidence that supports your claims. And so far, you haven't provided any.

It's possible that you and your friend mistook another species for Taeniura lymma. There are many species of rays that can be easily mistaken for one another, especially when seen at depth. And it's also possible that you simply misjudged the size of the rays you saw.

I'm not trying to be confrontational, but I do expect you to provide credible evidence to back up your claims. And so far, you haven't delivered.

TLR - You still haven't provided any concrete evidence to support your claims. Try again.

[bouldon]

I'm stunned by the sheer length of your last post, it's clear you've got way too much time on your hands. I've had plenty of PMs from people who agree you're coming across as an absolute idiot.

You still seem to be missing the point though. I said if their max size was 30cm, I must have seen all fully grown adults. Is this not possible? Young rays would be harder to find, right? And what about larger rays, 31cm or 32cm? That's still bigger than what you're saying is possible.

I also want to address your earlier comment about my spelling. That was pathetic. What you don't know is that I'm dyslexic, and sometimes I mix up letters. That doesn't mean I'm thick or slow, by the way - I've got a degree in electro-mechanical engineering to prove it.

I'd like to request that a mod removes you from this forum. I'm disgusted by your arrogance towards people's views, not just in this topic but in others I've read.

So, to sum it up, just shut up and get a life.

[northoak]

I find it quite amusing how some individuals resort to personal attacks. It seems like the calm demeanor has given way to irritation, which is rather pitiful. I'm sure if someone were to receive private messages criticizing their behavior, they wouldn't attempt to tarnish their character - after all, this is a forum for discussing fish, not a social networking site.