flies through the harbour water column

Size
Length: 60–90 cm, Weight: 10–20 kg
Lifespan
15–25 years
Diet
Carnivorous feeder on bivalves crabs worms and small fish. Uses wing-like fins to fan away sand and expose buried prey. Crushes shells with flat pavement-like teeth.
Habitat
Inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries. Often seen flying through water column rather than resting on bottom. Prefers sheltered areas.
Range
Found in coastal waters of North and South Islands from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in large harbours and sandy bays. Also found in Australia and Southwest Pacific.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Bycatch in set nets bottom trawls and rock lobster pots is primary threat. Also threatened by habitat loss from coastal development and dredging. Water quality degradation affects nurseries.
Population
Populations considered stable but localised declines have occurred in heavily fished estuaries. Species vulnerable to set netting due to shallow habitat preference. Protected areas help recovery.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
venomous
Handling Note
venomous tail spine causes painful sting, do not step on
Conservation Note
Endemic ray; widespread in coastal waters and not currently threatened.
Assessment
NZTCS Sharks, Rays & Chimaeras (2024)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition the eagle ray was a graceful visitor to the harbours and estuaries. Its flight through the water was a sign of good conditions for fishing. The tail spine was sometimes used as a needle or spear tip. Different names across iwi reflect subtle variations in colour and habitat preference. Whai repo means swamp ray. This refers to its estuarine home. Whai keo refers to its sharper more pointed wing shape. The nomenclature captures physical distinctions.
Flying bird of the sea. This is a ray that swims like an eagle. It flaps its long pointed fins like wings to propel itself through the water. A distinctive bulbous head and protruding eyes give it an eagle-like profile. It uses its flat teeth to crush shellfish on the sandy seafloor. The Māori name Whai repo means swamp ray. Whai keo refers to its sharper more pointed wing shape. A ray that flies. The movement is fluid. The analogy is apt. The body is flattened and diamond-shaped. Wing-like pectoral fins undulate as it swims. The head is bulbous. Protruding eyes and a ventral mouth define the face. The tail is long and slender. It is armed with a serrated spine. Colour is dark brown or grey on the back. It fades to white on the belly. The morphology supports the lifestyle. The shape aids lift. The spine provides defence. It is a graceful swimmer. It flaps its fins like wings. It can be seen flying through the water column. Sometimes it leaps completely out of the water. It does not rest on the bottom like other rays. It swims continuously. The motion is constant. The energy expenditure is high. The result is aerial grace in a liquid medium. Feeding happens on the bottom. It uses its fins to fan away sand. This exposes buried prey. It crushes shells with its flat pavement-like teeth. These are arranged in rows. It swallows the crushed shells and all. The digestion handles the debris. The extraction is efficient. The method is mechanical. The tail spine is used for defence. When threatened the eagle ray raises its tail. It lashes out. The spine is serrated and venomous. The wound is painful but not lethal. The warning is clear. The consequence is immediate. The intent is deterrent. In New Zealand the eagle ray is a common resident of large harbours and sandy bays. The harbour is calm. The eagle ray flies through the water. Wing-like fins flap. Bulbous head and protruding eyes scan the depths. It does not know it looks like an eagle. It does not know it is graceful. It just wants to crush a clam. To see one is to see grace in motion. It flies through the water. Silent and beautiful. That is what eagle rays do. They carry on in the shallows. Unseen by the casual observer. But prized by those who know. It remains in the bay. A testament to the intact harbour. A relic of the wild sand. It waits for the tide. Or it does not. The choice is tidal. The outcome is certain. The ray persists.