Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata Müller & Henle, 1841

ANIMAL SPECIES:Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata Müller & Henle, 1841

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.

Alternative Name/s

Banjo Shark, Fiddler Ray

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.

Three 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. The Magpie Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina melaleuca, is only known from South Australia.

Size range

The species grows to 1.2 m in length.

Distribution

The Eastern Fiddler Ray occurs from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Eastern Fiddler Ray specimens in the Australian Museum collection.Biomaps map of Eastern Fiddler Ray specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

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.

Classification

Species:: fasciata
Genus:: Trygonorrhina
Family:: Rhinobatidae
Order:: Rhinobatiformes
Class:: Chondrichthyes
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 9 June 2010

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