Pastinachus ater (Cowtail stingray)

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A large uniformly dark stingray that has a long anteriorly-flattened tail with a broad black skin flap and a venomous serrated spine. The disc is slightly wider than long with a dense band of blunt denticles over the centre.

Cowtail Stingrays are commonly found inshore and may even venture far upstream in estuaries. Care must be taken as they can easily bend the long tail up over the back and the serrated spine on the tail may cause a very painful wound.

In Australia, the Cowtail Stingray has previously been referred to as Pastinachus sephen, which does not occur in Australia. Although the specific name has also been spelled as "atrus" in a number of publications, the correct spelling is "ater".

Pastinachus ater is listed in the following regions:

Greater Brisbane