Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata Müller & Henle, 1841

Scientific name: Trygonorrhina fasciata
Alternative name/s:
Banjo Shark, Fiddler Ray
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    17/10/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata Click to enlarge image
Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata. Image: Richard Ling
© CC BY-NC-ND

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    LEAST CONCERN (LC)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Trygonorrhina
    Species
    fasciata
    Family
    Rhinobatidae
    Order
    Rhinobatiformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1.2 m in length.

Introduction

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.

What do Eastern Fiddler Rays look like?

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.

Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata
Eastern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata. Image: Dr John Turnbull
© CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Where do Eastern Fiddler Rays live?

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.

Distribution

The Eastern Fiddler Ray occurs 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. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

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.
  • https://fish.gov.au/docs/SharkReport/2023_FRDC_Trygonorrhina_fasciata_2_Final.pdf