Nature's rarity swims in to visit the Great Barrier Reef
Rare sight: This rare and endangered porcupine ray was photographed earlier this year during a dive charter at Opal Reef, 35km northeast of Port Douglas. Picture: CHRIS WITTY
SCIENTISTS have been blown away by the discovery of a rare species of stingray that was spotted swimming on the Great Barrier Reef.
The porcupine ray, named for the thorn-like scales on its back, was photographed by Chris Witty from Wavelength Reef Charters at Opal Reef, 35km northeast of Port Douglas.
The rare sighting, made at the start of the year, is unusual in itself in that the endangered animal is generally found in shallow coastal waters.
Wavelength marine biologist Suz Garrett said Mr Witty had been conducting a dive tour when he spotted the ray.
“It’s a little bit exciting for us and our guests as well to see something that we wouldn’t expect to see out there,” Ms Garrett said.
She said it was a reminder of how much there was still to discover on the Reef.
“The diversity out there is more than a rainforest, really,’’ Ms Garrett said.
Porcupine rays are regarded as a vulnerable species, presumed to be largely taken as bycatch by fishermen.
James Cook University shark and ray expert Dr Andrew Chin said the rays were extremely rare on the Great Barrier Reef.
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