Greenback Stingaree, Urolophus viridis McCulloch 1916

Scientific name: Urolophus viridis
Alternative name/s:
Green-back Stingaree, Green-backed Stingaree
  • Updated
    19/06/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Greenback Stingaree, Urolophus viridis Click to enlarge image
Greenback Stingaree, Urolophus viridis. Image: Ken Graham
© CC BY-NC 4.0

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    VULNERABLE (VU)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Urolophus
    Species
    viridis
    Family
    Urolophidae
    Order
    Myliobatiformes
    Subclass
    Elasmobranchii
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 43cm in length.

Introduction

The Greenback Stingaree, Urolophus viridis is a relatively common small to medium sized stingaree found on the south east coast of Australia, including Tasmania.

What do Greenback Stingarees look like?

Identification

Characterised by its small-medium size, the Greenback Stingaree typically reaches a maximum length of 51 cm TL. It is rhomboidal in shape and features a distinctive greenish coloration on its back, hence its name, with a whitish underside.

Where do Greenback Stingarees live?

Habitat

Found along the continental shelf and slope, the Greenback Stingaree inhabits various seafloor habitats.

Distribution

Endemic to southeastern Australia, the Greenback Stingaree's range spans from North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, to Portland, Victoria, including Tasmania. They are typically encountered at depths of 20-330 meters, with a primary distribution range of 80-180 meters.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

What is the diet and reproductive behaviour of Greenback Stingarees?

Feeding and diet

The Greenback Stingaree mainly feeds on crustaceans and polychaete worms.

Life cycle

Male maturity is reached at approximately 28 cm TL, while females mature between 26-31 cm TL. Females give birth to 1-3 pups per litter.

Conservation status

Primary threats

The Greenback Stingaree is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The Greenback Stingaree faces significant threats primarily from being caught as bycatch in otter trawlers and Danish seiners operating in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). Despite lacking commercial value, it is often discarded when caught, and its reproductive output may be affected by post-capture handling.

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