The Australian Butterfly Ray (Gymnura australis) is not a species most recreational fishers expect to see, which made my recent encounter in Moreton Bay particularly notable. With its extremely broad, flattened body and short tail, this ray is instantly recognisable, yet rarely observed in local fishing reports.
This butterfly ray is rarely caught on hook and line. I have only ever seen them caught on trawlers. It preys primarily on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fishes, often remaining partially buried and out of sight.
Biodiversity Beneath the Surface
Sightings like this are a reminder that even heavily fished systems such as Moreton Bay still support a wide range of less visible species. For fishermen who spend a lot of time on the water, these unexpected encounters provide valuable insight into the bay’s biodiversity.
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around TowAnzac Day – Lest We Forget
- Podcast Review: Wrong Turns
- Movie Review: The Deb
- Brad’s Business Tips
- The Quiet Reset: Why April Is the Month We Come Back to Ourselves
- Ancient Egypt Comes Alive In Virtual Reality Experience
- Organic Gardening in April
- Historic Brisbane to Gladstone Race Returns This Easter
- Best of Burt Bacharach and Hal David
- Sing It Loud and Proud With City Sings
- Fattoush Bayside Fires Up the Redcliffe Waterfront
- A Redcliffe Digger: Percy Frost
- Scarborough to Host Junior Lawn Bowls Championships
- Opening the World, One Adventure at a Time
- Get Hooked With Moreton Youth Week Fishing Competition
- Natasha Lester Reimagines Jane Eyre in Hollywood Novel
- Homegrown Talent Shines in Peter Allen Tribute Show
- Pickleball Hits the Big Time!
- CATS Get the Cream This Youth Week
- Josh Setterfield
