General Description

A huge stingray with a relatively deep rhomboidal disc, slightly broader than long; disc smooth with diagonal rows of pale pores on sides of head; tail short, depressed with a broad base tapering towards spine, cylindrical beyond spine, with a large, sharp, finely serrated spine; tail of adults with large tubercles and thorns on midline before the spine. Greyish-brown, darker above eye and on tail tip, underside pale. To a length of 4.3 m, disc width to more than 2.1 m, weight to 350 kg.

Biology

One of the largest stingrays in the world. It is common in shallow water off beaches and in estuaries during summer months. Although not aggressive, the spine is venomous and capable of inflicting a painful and sometimes fatal wound. They feed on benthic invertebrates and fishes, and are taken as bycatch in commercial fisheries. They are live-bearers - females give birth to 6-10 young per litter.

Habitat

Sandy bottoms and rocky reefs in coastal areas, shallow bays, harbours and estuaries, in depths of 0-150 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

New Zealand and South Africa. Southern and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sharks and rays › Stingrays, stingarees and allies

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2.1 m

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Possibly more dangerous to humans than other rays due to its size and the large venomous serrated barb on tail that has caused at least one death in Australia.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed