Mangrove Trail #12 Southern Eagle Ray Traditional Cache

Time to pack the Kayak, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, plenty of water and enjoy day on the water Kayaking along the Port River Mangroves enjoying the sights and sounds and smells, This trail will take you towards St Kilda looping back and ending back close to the beginning, with luck you will see the Fish and Animals mentioned in the series, each listing will cover information on the Mangroves and different animals that live in or can be found around the Mangroves.

Southern Eagle Ray

The Southern Eagle Ray has a blunt snout and eyes on the sides of the head. The species occurs in temperate waters of southern Australia and possibly New Zealand. 

Identification

The Southern Eagle Ray has a blunt snout and eyes on the sides of the head. The disc is wider than long and has pointed tips. There is a small dorsal fin followed by a venomous stinging spine on the long whip-like tail.

It is brownish, grey, olive-green or yellowish above and paler below. The upper surface has a variable pattern of grey-blue spots and bars. 

Size range

This species grows to 1.2 m in disc width and 2.4 m in total length.

Distribution

The Southern Eagle Ray is known from southern Queensland around the south of the country and north to the south-western coast of Western Australia. It may also occur in New Zealand.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.