Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii (Castelnau, 1873)

Scientific name: Trygonorrhina dumerilii
Alternative name/s:
Banjo Shark, Dumeril's Shovelnose-ray, Fiddler, Fiddler Ray, Green Skate, Magpie Ray, Paritt, Parrit, Southern Fiddler
Southern Fiddler Ray, <i>Trygonorrhina dumerilii</i> Click to enlarge image
A Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii, at a depth of 3m, Ardrossan Jetty, South Australia, 30 November 2008. The species can be distinguished from the Eastern Fiddler Ray by the patterns behind the eyes. The Southern Fiddler Ray has three parallel stripes, whereas the Eastern Fiddler Ray has a trianglar shape between the eyes and a diamond shaped pattern behind each eye. In the past, the name Trygonorrhina guaneria has been used for this species. Image: Phil Mercurio
© Phil Mercurio

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Trygonorrhina
    Species
    dumerilii
    Family
    Rhinobatidae
    Order
    Rhinobatiformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 1.5 m in length.

Introduction

The Southern Fiddler Ray is a bottom-dwelling species that can be recognised by its distictive colouration.

Identification

The species can be distinguished from the Eastern Fiddler Ray by the patterns behind the eyes. The Southern Fiddler Ray has three parallel stripes, whereas the Eastern Fiddler Ray has a trianglar shape between the eyes and a diamond shaped pattern behind each eye.

In the past, the Southern Fiddler Ray was called Trygonorrhina guaneria.

The eye of a Southern Fiddler Ray
The eye of a Southern Fiddler Ray at a depth of 3m, Ardrossan Jetty, South Australia, 30 November 2008. Image: Phil Mercurio
© Phil Mercurio

Distribution

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

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.