General Description

Disc flattened, circular to oval; tail short, thick and tapering, with a single prominent serrated spine, a leaf shaped caudal fin, and small dorsal fin. Dark brown to blackish above with many pale irregular rings and spots, disc margin and tail grey or black, underside white. Usually 40 cm long head to tail tip (up to 70 cm).

Biology

Widespread and common in coastal bays and estuaries along the southern coast, usually amongst seagrass near rocky reefs. Stingarees must handled with great care as the serrated spine is venomous and can inflict a very painful wound. When wading in sandy and seagrass areas it is advisable to shuffle along to avoid accidentally stepping on one of these rays.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Algal rocky reefs and grass beds of coastal waters and bays.

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