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 Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- Movie Review: The Deb
- Podcast Review: Wrong Turns
- Organic Gardening in April
- Ancient Egypt Comes Alive In Virtual Reality Experience
- Celebrate Sisterhood and Storytelling with Anita Heiss
- Honouring Sacrifice and Service on Anzac Day
- Back to the Tivoli Brings Spectacular Talent Showcase
- Shop Local Treasures At Burnie Brae Mother’s Day Market
- New Chakradance Classes Offer Space to Reconnect
- Coral Sea 2026 Revival at Kedron-Wavell
- New Digital Station flow radio Launches on the Northside
- Aspley Nursery: A Horticultural Legacy Since 1951
- Kokoda Challenge Pushes Aspley High Students to New Limits
- MONSTR Channels Unplugged Legends Live at The Royal
- PCYC Zillmere Hosts Colourful Youth Week Sports Afternoon
- Chicken, Corn and Vegetable Soup
- Wavell Heights Resident Ruby Reason Celebrates 100th birthday
- Female-led Projects Shaping Future of Queensland Medical Research
