Southern Eagle Ray

southern eagle ray
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit2

 

possession limit4

 

boat limit5

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

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat 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

bullray, cowray, millray, whiptail ray


Scientific name

Myliobatis australis

Grows to


Up to

1.9 meters and 240kg

Identifying features


​This ray has blueish spots and bars on the upper body, a short and bulbous head and the blunt snout is indented at the front.  The fins are winglike, tail long and whip like with a stinging spine near the base of the tail.

​​Area Restriction

Do not take in shark refuge areas

Habitat

This species is found off beaches and on sand flats in shallow water around Tasmania.  Adults are usually solitary but will form aggregations and migrate inshore during summer periods.

Fishing Information

Eagle rays can be taken on rod and line using fish flesh baits.  These rays are very powerful and considered a gamefish by some fishers.  When hooked they have long powerful runs and will frequently break the surface in an attempt to evade capture.

Handling

As with all large rays with venomous tail barbs, be very careful if handling. 

Cooking

Edible but not commonly eaten.​

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au