Fish diurnal

Southern Fiddler

Trygonorrhina dumerilii

The Southern Fiddler Ray is the ornate 'Banjo Shark' of Australia's southern coast, known for its intricate patterns and incredibly gentle nature. A master of camouflage, this stunning ray is a favorite for underwater explorers and coastal residents alike.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length; typically 0.6–1.2 meters (2–4 feet). Weight ranges from 5–15 kg (11–33 lbs).

palette

Colors

Sandy tan or yellowish-brown base with dark-edged white or grey triangular patterns behind the eyes. Pale white underside.

visibility

Key Features

Flattened guitar-like body shape with a rounded snout
Ornate, fiddle-shaped dark markings behind the eyes
Two large dorsal fins located far back on the tail
No venomous barb on the tail, unlike many other rays

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round, but most sightings occur in Summer (December-February) in shallow waters.

restaurant

Diet Benthic carnivore feeding on crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and small bottom-dwelling fish using powerful crushing plates in their mouths.

park

Habitat Coastal waters, sandy bays, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds; frequently found near jetties and in shallow estuaries.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

Often affectionately called the 'Banjo Shark' by locals, the Southern Fiddler Ray is a docile, bottom-dwelling species that spends much of its time gliding over sandy flats or resting in seagrass meadows. Despite their shark-like tail, they are true rays, moving with a graceful, undulating motion of their pectoral fins. They are generally solitary but can be found in loose aggregations during the breeding season or in areas with high prey density.

Unlike many of their more defensive cousins, Southern Fiddlers lack a venomous sting, making them remarkably safe to observe. They are curious and may approach a stationary diver or camera, though they are quick to bury themselves in the sand if they feel threatened. Their primary defense is their incredible camouflage, which makes them nearly invisible to predators like Great White Sharks from above.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Southern Fiddler Ray on camera, you'll need a submersible setup. For those with 'waterfront backyards' like docks or jetties, mounting your camera to a pylon about 30 centimeters (1 foot) above the seabed is ideal. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full 'guitar' shape of their body, as they often swim quite close to structures. Angle the camera slightly downward (about 30-45 degrees) to focus on the sandy floor where they forage.

Scent is the most effective lure for this species. Using a mesh bait bag filled with crushed crabs or oily fish like sardines (pilchards) will draw them in from a distance. Secure the bait bag roughly 1.5 meters in front of the camera lens. Because these rays use electroreception to find food, they are highly sensitive to the movement of small crustaceans; sometimes just disturbing the sand slightly before placing your camera can pique their curiosity.

Since these rays are most active in shallow coastal waters where light fluctuates, set your camera to an auto-exposure mode with a focus on high contrast to bring out their intricate 'fiddle' markings. If you are recording at dawn or dusk, underwater LEDs with a warm temperature can help reveal their colors without spooking them. However, avoid high-intensity white strobes, which can cause them to dart away.

During the summer months, they move into very shallow water (sometimes less than a meter deep) to pup and mate. This is the best time for high-quality footage. Look for 'ray pits'—circular depressions in the sand—which indicate they have been feeding in the area. Placing your camera near these spots increases your chances of a successful 'backyard' marine discovery.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Southern Fiddler.

Eastern Fiddler Ray

Found further north on the east coast, it features a simpler, diamond-shaped pattern behind the eyes compared to the Southern's triangular mark.

Eastern Shovelnose Ray

Has a much pointier, wedge-shaped snout and lacks the intricate 'fiddle' markings on its back.

Common Stingaree

Much smaller and rounder with a shorter tail that possesses a venomous spine, which the Fiddler Ray lacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Southern Fiddler Rays are not dangerous. Unlike many other ray species, they do not have a venomous barb on their tail. They are very docile and will usually swim away if disturbed, though they should still be treated with respect and not handled.

The best way to attract them is through scent. Using a perforated container or mesh bag with oily fish like sardines or crushed crabs will draw them in as they forage along the sea floor. Placing the camera near seagrass edges or jetty pylons also increases sighting chances.

They are 'crunchers' that eat a variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Their diet consists mostly of crabs, shrimp, prawns, and shellfish, which they crush using hard, plate-like teeth specialized for breaking through shells.

Yes, they are very common around man-made structures like piers and jetties in Southern Australia. These areas provide both shelter and a high concentration of the crustaceans and small fish they prey upon.

The primary difference is the pattern behind the eyes. The Southern Fiddler Ray has a more complex, triangular 'fiddle' pattern with dark outlines, whereas the Eastern Fiddler Ray typically has a simpler, diamond-shaped marking.

Record Southern Fiddler at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo