Southern Fiddler Ray

Bag and possession limits are for sharks and rays other than school, gummy, mako, blue, or elephantfish combined. Boat limit is for all shark and ray species combined, excluding elephantfish.

Guide to symbols

Bag Limit

Possession Limit

Boat Limit

Minimum size

None

Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

banjo shark, fiddler ray

Scientific name

Trygonorrhina dumerilii

Grows to

Up to

1.5 metres

Identifying features

The southern fiddler ray is dark brown above light brown elsewhere with distinctive broad pale stripes with brown edges across its back. There are small spines along the back.

Responsible fishing tips

Most fishers choose to release these rays as to prepare them requires some effort for a small meat return.
No taking of skates and rays in Macquarie Harbour.

Area Restriction

Do not take in shark refuge areas.

Habitat

Sand coastal areas down to 40 metres, seagrass beds and near wharves and jetties.

Fishing Information

Not normally targeted but caught as bycatch for other species such as flathead or gummy sharks.

Handling

Handle carefully due to the small sharp spines along the back.

Cooking

These rays are edible and meat is similar in taste to gummy shark.

Southern Fiddler Ray

Season: Open all year

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