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 the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
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