(Image credit: David Harasti)

Oval shaped with tail longer than body. Dusky brown-grey in colour on the body. Blue spots adorn the upper body disc and follow no distinct pattern. In some individuals there is dark shading beneath the eyes and on the brow ridge. Tail is grey-white with white banding along the tip. Spines are found on the upper surface around the middle of the tail.

Usually encountered buried in the sand with only the eyes protruding. Easily startled if you come within their immediate vicinity.

Length: Up to 2 m

(Previously known as Dasyatis kuhlii)

Habitat

Bottom dwelling in sandy areas, usually covered in sand; 0-100 m depth

Log it

In New South Wales, log if spotted south of Smokey Cape

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/). This is updated regularly and lists the approved common name, family, species name and more.

Redmap species descriptions were based, with permission, on the following resources:

Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters by G. J. Edgar, Revised Ed. (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast, Edited by M. Gomon. D. Bray and R. Kuiter (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Find further information and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/

Last PR and Stevens JD. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. 2nd Edition.