#eastern fiddler ray

[barkyshark]

fish appreciation...afishiation...

[trynottodrown]

Banjo Shark or Eastern Fiddler Ray (Trygonorrhina sp.) is a unique species of guitarfish with pattern of pale lilac bands edged with dark brown and distinctive triangular pattern behind its eyes found in southern and eastern coasts of Australia. It grows to a length of 92 to 120 cm. The eastern fiddler is found to a depth of 120 meters and the southern fiddler to a depth of 180 meters.

[anoceanactivist-blog]

The eastern fiddler ray is an Australian original that haunts the south coastline’s sandy bays and reefs to prey on shellfish and other seafloor invertebrates. The ray, which can grow to 4 feet (1.2 meters), can be spotted by the triangular markings behind its eyes—part of the distinctive coloring and shape that have earned this animal the nickname “banjo shark.”

(Photograph by Gary Bell, Oceanwide Images)