SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Welcome Cownose Ray Pup

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 10, 2021 12:50 pm

The cownose ray pup in the water at the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium have celebrated the birth of a cownose ray pup. The new arrival is the first of its species born at the aquarium in Mooloolaba, Australia sine it opened in 1989.

The pup was born in February and is currently growing up in the aquarium’s turtle pool.

The cownose ray pup in the water at the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

“The male cownose ray was born in February and has been gaining his strength behind the scenes for the last few months. The baby ray can now be spotted by guests looking into our Turtle Pool but once he is a bit bigger and stronger, we will move him into our large Oceanarium display, where he will swim alongside sharks and other ray species,” said Laura Kippax, Aquarist at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.

Now the aquarium is seeking help to name the new pup. You can submit a suggestion here – Ray Pup Naming Contest. The winner will get to name the pup along with receiving a family pass, behind the scenes tour and showbag.

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“The ray currently weighs around 3kg (6.6lbs) and has a wingspan of about 50cm (20in). There is the potential for his wingspan to reach up to 130cm (51in) as he grows older. The ray pup’s favourite food is pilchards, which he cannot get enough of!” continued Laura.

Cownose rays are named from the shape of their head which is thought to resemble the nose of a cow. They are found along the Australian coast along the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.