Australian Butterfly Ray [Gymnura australis]
Description
The Australian Butterfly Ray (Gymnura australis) is a species of ray that is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, specifically from the Gulf of Thailand to northern Australia. They are usually found in shallow, inshore waters over sand or mud bottoms. The species is known for its broad, triangular pectoral fin disc, which is much wider than it is long. The tail is short and lacks a dorsal fin but has a small caudal fin. Their color is usually brown, often with small light spots or speckles. The Australian Butterfly Ray is a benthic feeder, feeding on a variety of bottom-dwelling organisms. They are ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Stingrays
Myliobatiformes
|
| Family |
Butterfly Rays
Gymnuridae
|
| Genus |
Australian Butterfly Ray
Aetoplatea
|