Eastern Fiddler Ray
Hi! I’m an Eastern Fiddler Ray
The Eastern Fiddler Ray inhabits sandy bays and rocky reefs, and is commonly spotted off the coast of New South Wales. They are easily identfied by the broad, lilac-covered bands on their backs. It is often taken as a bycatch of trawl fishing, but has a high chance of survival once re-released.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 3 Eastern Fiddeler Rays: Raymond, Fin Diesel, and Ray J.
Eastern Fiddler Ray Facts
Taxonomy
Trygonorrhina fasciata
Population Movement
Decreasing
Current Animals
Ray J, Fin Diesel, Raymond
Life Span (captive)
11-15 years
Weight
7kg
Reproduction
In the waters off southwestern Australia, this ray gives live birth in April and May which is presumably when ovulation and fertilization occurs. It produces 4 to 6 young per breeding cycle. Although the gestation period is 12 months, the embryos grow rapidly only during the final four to five months. This delayed development is referred to as embryonic diapause.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Group Count
3
Life Span (wild)
11-15 years
Size
1.2m
Gestation
1 year
Distribution
Found in Shallow sandy bays and rocky reefs. Common in southern QLD to southern NSW. As well as along the coast of SA