Australian butterfly ray
📖 Overview
A benthic species. Found on coastal to offshore on continental shelf in open sandy, muddy and silty habitat, including estuaries and intertidal zones. Mainly feeds on bony fishes . Ovoviviparous . Maturity size 35-42 cm WD (males) and 44-46 cm WD (females); hatch size 22-25 cm DW. Produces litters of 1-6 pups . Caught by shrimp trawlers.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Australian butterfly ray is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Australian butterfly ray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 250 - ? m . Tropical; 2°S - 35°S, 111°E - 155°E West Pacific: northern Australia and south coast of New Guinea (Refs.
🌿 Ecology
bony fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Australian Butterfly Ray · Butterfly Ray · Rat-tail Ray · Rat-tailed Ray · Skate |
| 🌍CES | křídloun australský |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | mosaiikkiperhosrausku |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Altavela australiana |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Australische vlinderrog |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Raia-borboleta-australiana |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pteroplatea australis | Ramsay & Ogilby | 1886 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Australian butterfly ray ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.