Southern Eagle Ray
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year
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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
bullray, cowray, millray, whiptail ray
Scientific name
Myliobatis australis
Grows to
Up to
1.9 meters and 240kg
Identifying features
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.
Responsible fishing tips
- Usually caught when fishing for other species such as sharks. Most anglers release this ray, so consider cutting the line when it is brought to the shore or boat. Release stingrays unharmed without removing barbs or spines.
- No taking of skates and rays in Macquarie Harbour.
Page Content
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.
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.
As with all large rays with venomous tail barbs, be very careful if handling.
Edible but not commonly eaten.