National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
yellow-spotted fanray
Regions
ChinaJapanTaiwan
Population
3,002
Habitat
Shallow coastal waters and sandy or muddy seabeds.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
1–3 kg (2.2–6.6 lbs) and 10–15 years in the wild
Regions
China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
The Yellow-spotted Fanray (Platyrhina tangi) is a rare, small ray species endemic to the East China Sea, recognized by its yellow-spotted, fan-shaped body. Growing up to 50 cm in length and weighing between 1 and 3 kg, this ray inhabits shallow coastal waters, where it feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates found in sandy and muddy sea beds. The population is estimated to be fewer than 3,000 individuals, with numbers in decline due to significant threats from overfishing, bycatch in commercial fisheries, and habitat degradation caused by coastal development. Climate change may further impact its habitat by altering water temperatures and prey distribution. Conservation efforts focused on managing fishing practices and protecting essential habitats are crucial for the survival of the Yellow-spotted Fanray.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
