The eastern shovelnose ray (Aptychotrema rostrata) is a greyish-brown coloured ray adorned with dark blotches on its dorsal side and a creamy underbelly. A medium sized ray, they are born measuring anywhere from 13-15 cm to attaining a maximum length of 120 cm. Males mature at 60-68 cm in length, while females mature at 54-66 cm in length.
Found on the continental shelf off eastern Australia between Queensland and New South Wales (both Australian territories), they usually venture no more than 100 m deep. Here, they act as both predator and scavenger, looking for crustaceans (prawns, shrimp and crabs are a few favorites) and a variety of fish.
The eastern shovelnose rays are viviparous and generally give birth to 4-18 pups in the November or December months after a 3-5 month gestation period. The IUCN has assessed and listed these animals as Least Concern (LC).