Biology
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Very little is known about the biology of this species (3), but there are certain characteristics known to be typical of stingarees (Urolophidae) which the coastal stingaree is likely to possess. This family of rays only has one litter a year, sometimes one every two years, and usually gives birth to between two and four live young per litter. Since so few young are produced, it is important that they survive. Thus, extended nurturing inside the mother's body produces large young able to feed and fend for themselves, with no reported evidence of post-birth parental investment. Some stingaree species have a gestation period of around three months, which usually occurs at some point across spring, summer and autumn. Many stingarees feed on bottom-dwelling fishes, worms, shrimp and other small organisms in the substrate around them, with some species able to eat hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans (4).
Conservation
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The coastal stingaree occurs in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park (GAB), within which exists a Benthic Protection Zone (BPZ) that affords some degree of protection to this bottom-dwelling species. However, the Park's mission is not only to maintain current levels of biodiversity, but also to provide ecologically sustainable use of marine resources. As such, a number of fisheries and recreational fishing are still permitted to operate in certain areas, and exploratory drilling for petroleum commenced in 2003 and further exploration activity is anticipated in the future (5). These activities may threaten the coastal stingaree, and there are currently no conservation measures directly targeting the species.
Description
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The coastal stingaree is a rare endemic of southern Australian waters and is seldom seen in the wild (3). As with most rays, the body of this species is flattened and disc-shaped, with the pectoral fins broadly expanded and fused with the head and trunk. Characteristic of the round ray or stingaree family (Urolophidae), the coastal stingaree possesses a remarkably circular-shaped body disc. Like other rays, this species has a long, relatively narrow tail that is distinctly demarcated from the disc-like body. Most species of stingaree possess one or more long venomous spines about half way down their tail (2). In addition to this defensive poisonous sting, most stingarees have cryptic coloration, which acts as camouflage in the sandy or rocky bottom of their habitat (4). The coastal stingaree is greyish-brown with dark mottling on its upper surface and paler underneath (3).
Habitat
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A marine, bottom-dwelling species found in shallow coastal waters, from depths of 20 to 50 m (2) (4).
Range
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Restricted to the Eastern Indian Ocean in the waters of southern Australia, where the species is known from the Great Australian Bight Marine Park around to the waters of western Victoria (2) (3) (5).
Status
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Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Threats
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Stingarees are rarely targeted by fisheries or sold commercially, but large numbers are caught incidentally as bycatch. Because of their low birth rates, slow reproductive turnover and sometimes restricted range, stingarees are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of over-fishing (4).
Trophic Strategy
provided by Fishbase
Found on the continental shelf (Ref. 75154).
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- Auda Kareen Ortañez
Coastal stingaree
provided by wikipedia EN
The coastal stingaree (Urolophus orarius) is an uncommon species of round ray in the stingaree family, Urolophidae, that is endemic to the eastern Great Australian Bight.[2]
Appearance and anatomy
As with more common rays, the body of this species is flat and disc-shaped, with pectoral fins that broadly expand and are in a fixed relationship with the head and trunk. Characteristic of the stingaree family, the coastal stingaree's body is circular and disc-like. As with other rays, it has a long, particularly slender tail that is distinctly separate from the body. Most species of stingaree have one or more venomous spines approximately halfway down their tail. In addition to this defensive, venomous sting, most stingarees have obscure coloration, which acts as camouflage. The coastal stingaree is greyish-brown with dark mottling on its upper surface and paler underneath which allow it to blend with the sandy or rocky bottom.
Distribution and ecology
The coastal stingaree is restricted to the Eastern Indian Ocean in the waters of southern Australia. There, the species is known to reside from the Great Australian Bight Marine Park to the waters of western Victoria. The coastal stingaree is a marine, bottom-dweller found in shallow coastal waters. It inhabits depths of 20–50 metres (66–164 ft).
Very little is known about the biology of the coastal stingaree due to its sparse and elusive population. they appear to behave similarly to other stingaree species. The coastal stingaree often feeds on bottom-dwelling fishes, shrimp, sea worms and other small organisms. There is also evidence that the coastal stingaree is also able to eat hard-shelled molluscs and crustaceans.
Conservation
The coastal stingaree is not explicitly targeted by fisheries or used commercially. However, large numbers of the species are still caught as bycatch by these fisheries. The stingarees have low birth rates and slow reproductive turnover. Because of this and their restricted habitat and range, the coastal stingaree is particularly susceptible to the dangers of over-fishing.
The coastal stingaree occurs within the Great Australian Bight Marine Park. Thus, this part of their territory exists within the Benthic Protection Zone (BPZ) which gives the species a degree of protection. The park's mission is not only to maintain biodiversity in the area, but also to provide ecologically sustainable use of marine resources. However, fisheries and recreational fishing are still permitted to operate in parts of the park and BPZ. Exploration and drilling for petroleum has continued since 2003. These activities may yet threaten the coastal stingaree population.
As of 2010, no conservation measures focus on the coastal stingaree.
References
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Coastal stingaree: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
The coastal stingaree (Urolophus orarius) is an uncommon species of round ray in the stingaree family, Urolophidae, that is endemic to the eastern Great Australian Bight.
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