Southern Fiddle, Trygonorrhina dumerilii Click to enlarge image
Southern Fiddle, Trygonorrhina dumerilii. Image: Sascha Schulz
© CC BY-NC 4.0

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 distinctive colouration and pattern.



What do Southern Fiddler Rays look like?

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.


Southern Fiddle Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii
Southern Fiddle Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii. Image: Mick Morley
© CC BY-NC 4.0

Where do Southern Fiddler Rays live?

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

  • 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.
  • Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.