Animal Species:Eastern Shovelnose Ray, Aptychotrema rostrata (Shaw & Nodder, 1794)

The Eastern Shovelnose Ray can be recognised by its wedge-shaped disc, its long triangular snout and its colouration. It is usually sandy-coloured above and may have darker blotches. The lower surface is white with irregular dark flecks. the species grows to 1.2 m in length.

Eastern Shovelnose Ray

Eastern Shovelnose Ray
David and Leanne Atkinson © David and Leanne Atkinson

Alternative Name/s

Australian Shovelnose Ray, Banjo Fish, Bank's Shovelnosed Ray, Common Shovelnosed Ray, Eragoni, Guitarfish, Long-snout Shovelnose Ray, Shovel-nosed Ray, Shovelnose Shark, Southern Shovelnose Ray

Identification

The Eastern Shovelnose Ray can be recognised by its wedge-shaped disc, its long triangular snout and its colouration. It is usually sandy-coloured above and may have darker blotches. The lower surface is white with irregular dark flecks.

Size range

This species grows to 1.2 m in length.

Distribution

The Eastern Shovelnose Ray is endemic to Australia, occurring 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.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Aptychotrema rostrata

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Eastern Shovelnose Ray specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is usually seen in estuaries and on sandy substrates off beaches, but also occurs down to depths of 50 m.

Feeding and Diet

Its diet includes penaeid prawns, carid shrimps, stomatopods, crabs and other crustacea, as well as fishes and molluscs.

Classification

Species:
rostrata
Genus:
Aptychotrema
Family:
Rhinobatidae
Order:
Rhinobatiformes
Class:
Chondrichthyes
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Bush, A. 2005. Morphometric and diet study of the Eastern Shovelnose Ray, Aptychotrema rostrata from Newcastle, New South Wales. Unpublished student paper. Macquarie University. Pp. 16.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437. (as A.bougainvillii)
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.

 


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, rays, ichthyology, Eastern Shovelnose Ray, Wildlife of Sydney, Aptychotrema rostrata, Rhinobatidae, wedge-shaped disc, triangular snout, sandy-coloured, brown, dark blotchs, dark blotches, white underside, Australian Shovelnose Ray, Banjo Fish, Bank's Shovelnosed Ray, Common Shovelnosed Ray, Eragoni, Guitarfish, Long-snout Shovelnose Ray, Shovel-nosed Ray, Shovelnose, Shovelnose Shark, Southern Shovelnose Ray, coastal, sandy beaches, endemic to Australia, > 1m, marine, adult,