Eastern Shovelnose Ray

Hi! I’m an Eastern Shovelnose Ray

The Eastern Shovelnose Ray lives in estuaries and off sandy beaches in southern Queensland and New South Wales. It feeds on crustaceons, fish, and molluscs. It can be recognised by its triangular snout, which resembles a shovel.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 1 Eastern Shovelnose Ray, Lucille.

Eastern Shovelnose Ray Facts

Taxonomy

Aptychotrema rostrata

Population Movement

Decreasing

Current Animals

Lucille

Life Span (captive)

8-11 years

Weight

10kg

Reproduction

The eastern shovelnose ray has an annual and seasonal reproductive cycle. Mating occurs in winter, with females relocating to shallower waters in summer to give birth. They produce one litter annually, with litter sizes ranging from 4 to 20 pups with larger females giving birth to more young.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Group Count

1

Life Span (wild)

8-11 years

Size

120cm length

Gestation

3-5 months

Distribution

Sandy substrates off beaches in Southern QLD to southern NSW