To see photographs of the Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree (Trygonoptera sp.) click here.
Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree (Trygonoptera sp.)
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protected: © 2002 Kelvin Aitken.
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The Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree (Trygonoptera sp.) is found near reefs
along the coast of Victoria. The almost-identical Western Shovelnose Stingaree
has a range that joins that of the Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree’s
and extends as far as to Perth. The eastern species is found either in
the open or resting on the sandy floor of caves and ledges. It has a light
to dark brown back with dark markings on the tail and sometimes in the
middle of the back. A variable pattern of small dark to light brown or
yellowish spots are scattered across its body. It is a large stingaree,
growing to 80 cm long or more.
This ray is often found in shallow water, excavating a hollow as it forages
after worms, crabs and burrowing fish. It is quite approachable and will
carry on its daily activities if not harassed. Males have large claspers
with pear-shaped tips.