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Eastern Fiddler Ray Trygonorrhina sp. A
Eastern Fiddler Rays on sand.
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.
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.
The Eastern Fiddler Ray occurs from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
The taxonomy of the genus Trygonorrhina requires work. For many years, the name Trygonorrhina fasciata was used in error for the Eastern Fiddler Ray.
Three species of Fiddler Rays are currently recognised from Australia. The Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata, occurs in southern Australian waters from Victoria to south-western Western Australia. The Magpie Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina melaleuca, is only known from South Australia.
Further Reading
- 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.
