Fiddler ray

Lore & Background

Fiddler rays are distinguished from other guitarfishes by their shorter, more rounded pectoral fin discs and slender tails with two triangular dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin. Their snouts are translucent, and their anterior nasal flaps are expanded backwards and fused into a nasal curtain reaching the mouth. The eastern fiddler ray scavenges from fish traps, while both species feed on bottom shellfish, crabs, and worms, crushing them between their jaws.

Reader's Guide

Fiddler rays are significant as a distinct genus of guitarfish endemic to Australian waters, with two recognized species: the eastern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina fasciata) and the southern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina dumerilii). The Magpie fiddler ray, previously considered a separate species (Trygonorrhina melaleuca), is now regarded as a variant of Trygonorrhina dumerilii. These rays are harmless and easily approached by divers, contributing to their interest for marine ecotourism. The southern fiddler ray is taken as bycatch by commercial trawlers and recreational fishers, and its flesh, of good quality, is sold in small quantities. Their ovoviviparous reproduction, with the southern fiddler producing golden egg capsules containing three embryos each and litters of four to six young, highlights their life history. As benthic inhabitants of shallow sandy bays, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds, they play a role in the coastal ecosystems of eastern and southern Australia.

Did You Know?

• The eastern fiddler ray scavenges from fish traps.
• Southern fiddler rays are taken as bycatch by commercial trawlers and recreational fishers.
• The egg capsules of the southern fiddler ray are golden in colour and contain three embryos each.
• The Magpie fiddler ray is now considered a variant of Trygonorrhina dumerilii.