Aptychotrema rostrata Shaw & Nodder 1794

Eastern shovelnose rays are common in Byron Bay, but are not often seen at Julian Rocks. They are usually seen resting on the bottom, sometimes partly buried, or swimming close to the bottom.

Their dorsal surfaces are yellowish with brownish blotches and are well camouflaged on the sand.
They have very pointy snouts.

Eastern shovelnose rays eat small crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Both males and females are found in Byron Bay throughout the year.

They mature at about 60cms. Observations in Moreton Bay have indicated that copulation takes place from July to September leading to birth in Novembe ror December. The young are yolk-sac viviparous with 4-18 pups in a litter, bigger females have larger litters.