Rays and Sawfish

Freshwater sawfish live in shallow waters around river mouths and freshwater systems, moving between freshwater and saltwater. They are related to sharks and stingrays, and can grow to over 6 metres in length! These distinctive animals have a long saw-like extension called a rostrum. Sawfish use their rostrum to find prey as their eyesight is poor. The sharply-toothed saw is swung at prey, stunning or killing small fish and prawns which it then devours.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Critically endangered 

The Ocellated Eagle ray can be found worldwide in mostly tropical but occasionally subtropical waters. Eagle rays flap their fins as they manoeuvre across the ocean, and appear to ‘fly’ across the water, thus their name. Other ray species, such as smooth stingrays, move their whole bodies in a wave motion. The White-Spotted Eagle ray can grow up to 8.8 metres in length including the tail and up to 3.5 metres wide. They are easily recognised by the distinct white spots on the top side of the body.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Smooth Stingray also known as the short-tail stingray, is our largest species of ray here at SEA LIFE Sydney and in the whole of Australia! These rays can get up to 4.3 m in length, with their discs at around 2 m in width and weigh up to 350 kg. You can find our adorable smooth ray, Big Mouth, in our shark valley zone. 

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Least concern 

The Giant Shovelnose ray is easily identified by its triangular shaped snout which bears a resemblance to a shovel. Adults can grow up to 2.7 metres in length and its spine is lined with enlarged denticles and thorns. Juveniles are usually found inshore while the adults can found trawling the deep shelf waters of the Indo-Pacific.

IUCN Red List Conservation status: Vulnerable