Cairns Aquarium Welcomes Freshwater Whipray to River Monsters exhibit

Following its opening last month, Cairns Aquarium has welcomed the introduction of a female Freshwater Whipray called Jessica to its 300,000 litre River Monsters exhibit (the largest freshwater aquarium exhibit in Australia).

As the only Australian stingray capable of living in both fresh and brackish waters, the Freshwater Whipray was a long-awaited and highly anticipated addition to the exhibit and was required to spend approximately two weeks in quarantine at Cairns Aquarium in order to undergo an acclimation process which also included training to feed by hand by the freshwater Aquarists.

The Freshwater Whipray is now on display with Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, giant forktail catfish and very soon, the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.

The Freshwater Whipray, Urogymnus dalyensis is a very unique, little known animal that is endemic to Northern Queensland and is rarely seen as the river systems it inhabits are usually isolated, often muddy or turbid and in many cases, crocodile infested.

This species scientific name ‘dalyensis’ is in recognition of the major Northern Australian river where it was first collected, the Daly River. It is found in a limited distribution of waterways from the Daly, Fitzroy, Gilbert, Mitchell, Normanby, Ord, Pentecost, Roper, South Alligator, and Wenlock Rivers in northern Australia.

Distinctive features include a pale brown to greyish disc, a prominent pointed snout, and a long whip-like tail with a venomous spine, the underside is whitish with greyish spots and a broad dark margin.

“We are so excited to have a Freshwater Whipray on display.

“It provides a special opportunity for people to come and see an Australian ray that lives in freshwater and most people will never have a chance to see this species in the wild,” said Cairns Aquarium General Manager, Julie Cullen.

More importantly for the survival of the species, Freshwater Whiprays employ a reproductive strategy that involves putting great energy into relatively few young over a lifetime.

Once sexually mature, Freshwater Whiprays have only one ‘litter’ of babies per year, usually bearing two to six young. Since so few young are produced, it is important that they survive, and therefore the baby rays are very large when born; almost half the size of an adult. From birth, they are able to feed and fend for themselves much like an adult.

“As part of the Cairns Aquarium’s long-term conservation and education program for endemic species such as the Freshwater Whipray, we hope to acquire an additional couple for breeding and rearing purposes,” Ms Cullen said.


Opening Hours and Prices
Open 365 days a year, Cairns Aquarium is air-conditioned, wheel chair accessible with free Wi-Fi access.
Saturday – Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm with last entry at 4.00pm.
Friday 9.00am – 7.00pm with last entry at 6.00pm

o Adult (15 years +) - $42
o Child (3-14 years) - $28
o Senior/Concession - $34
o Single Family (1 Adult + 2 Children) - $88.20
o Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) - $126
o Additional Child on Family - $25.20 (Infants under 3 years are free)

Tickets can be purchased in person at General Admission and Online at www.cairnsaquarium.com.au