Photo copyright Tim Nicholson.
Bull Ray, Myliobatis australis
Taken on Lady Elliot Island, Australia.
This large ray has a wing span of up to 150 cm and can reach 240 cm in total length. It occurs in Australia from southern Queensland around clockwise to the south-western coast of Western Australia. It also occurs in New Zealand.
It is often found resting in hollows in the sand in shallow water, and occurs offshore down to 85 m. It feeds mainly on crabs and shellfish.
Part of the Eagle Ray family (another name for it is Southern Eagle Ray)it has a long slender tail armed with a sting at its base. The young are born fully developed.
Further Reading
The Underwater Photographer: Digital and Traditional Techniques, by by Martin Edge, Paperback, 536 pages (2009)
