Yellowback Stingaree, Urolophus sufflavus Whitley 1929
Yellow-back Stingaree, Yellow-backed Stingaree
Introduction
The Yellowback Stingaree, Urolophus sufflavus, is a common but not well understood species, inhabiting offshore waters along the east coast of Australia.
What do Yellowback Stingarees look like?
Identification
Maximum total length of the Yellowback Stingaree is 42 cm, with males maturing at about 23 cm. It is characterised by a uniform yellowish colour on its upper side.
Where do Yellowback Stingarees live?
Habitat
Yellowback Stingarees prefers soft substrates and are found on the ocean floor at depths of 45 to 300 meters, most commonly occurring at depths of 100 to 160 meters on the outer continental shelf.
Distribution
Endemic to eastern Australia, the Yellowback Stingaree's range spans from North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, to Green Cape New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
What do Yellowback Stingarees eat?
Feeding and diet
The specific dietary habits of the Yellowback Stingaree are not well known, but it likely feeds on small bony fishes, crustaceans, and other benthic invertebrates found within its habitat.
Conservation status
Primary threats
The Yellowback Stingaree is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The primary threat to the Yellowback Stingaree is being caught and discarded as bycatch in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) off eastern Australia.
References:
- https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3537
- Kyne, P.M., Last, P.R. & Marshall, L.J. 2019. Urolophus sufflavus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T60104A68650134. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T60104A68650134.en. Accessed on 09 April 2024.
- https://fish.gov.au/docs/SharkReport/2023_FRDC_Urolophus_sufflavus_Final.pdf