The Common Stingaree (Trygonoptera testacea) is one of the most common stingaree species found along the east coast of Australia. It is found from the waters of southern Queensland down to the east Victorian coast. This species is commonly seen in coastal estuaries in waters shallower than 20 metres. It has been recorded to depths of 135 metres however it is rarely encountered below 60 metres. It can be found on sandy bottoms and occasionally on coastal reefs and is also sometimes caught by trawlers working offshore in deeper waters.
This species can be identified by its upper surface that is usually a pale brown to greyish colour, which is generally paler near the edges. This species may be confused with the Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree ( Trygonoptera sp. B) however the Common Stingaree has a small dorsal fin (which is sometimes reduced to a thin fold of skin) which is absent in the Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree. The Common Stingaree (Trygonoptera testacea) grows to a maximum length of approximately 47cm.
