The Coastal Stingaree (Urolophus orarius) is a rare stingaree species and is very rarely seen by scuba divers. It belongs to the Stingaree family Urolophidae and very little is know about the biology of this species. This species is endemic to the waters of southern Australia; endemic meaning that it is only found in this region. It is known from the eastern section of the Great Australian Bight around to the waters of western Victoria.
This species is a small greyish/brown stingaree with dark blotches (but no stripes) on the upper surface and it has no dorsal fin. This species very similar in shape and size to the Banded Stingaree (Urolophus cruciatus) and the Yellowback Stingaree (Urolophus sufflavus) however it can be distinguished by its different colour pattern. The Coastal Stingaree lacks the dark median stripe which is found in the Banded Stingaree but does have dark blotches at the base of body near the pelvic fins that is absent in the Yellowback Stingaree. The Coastal Stingaree has a relatively longer tail and caudal fin than the other two species.
The Coastal Stingaree (Urolophus orarius) grows to a maximum size of approximately 31cm.
Dr Peter Last, Fish Taxonomist, from the Australian CSIRO assisted in the identification of this species.
