Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata Müller & Henle, 1841
Banjo Shark, Fiddler Ray
Click to enlarge image
© Justin McKenzie
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Trygonorrhina
- Species
- fasciata
- Family
- Rhinobatidae
- Order
- Rhinobatiformes
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 1.2 m in length.
Introduction
The Eastern Fiddler Ray can be recognised by the triangular pattern behind the eyes. It has a slender tail and two prominent triangular dorsal fins. The species grows to 1.2 m in length.
Identification
The Eastern Fiddler Ray can be recognised by the triangular pattern behind the eyes. It has a slender tail and two prominent triangular dorsal fins.
At least seven species of Fiddler Rays are currently recognised from Australia. The Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerillii, occurs in southern Australian waters from Victoria to south-western Western Australia.
© Peter Barfod
Habitat
It lives coastally in shallow sandy bays and rocky reefs down to depths of about 120 m. The species is commonly seen by divers in New South Wales waters.
Distribution
The Eastern Fiddler Ray occurs from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513, Pl. 1-84.
