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.
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.
Habitat
It is usually seen in estuaries and on sandy substrates off beaches, but also occurs down to depths of 50 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
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
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- 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 Unpublished student paper.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.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437. (as A.bougainvillii)
- 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.
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