As Seaweek 2025 approaches this March, the team at BLAKE is backing the beloved short-tail stingray (whai) a the Fish of the Year for the annual Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust’s competition.

The whai, scientifically known as Bathytohshia Brevicaudata, stands out as the largest stingray species, with an impressive disc width reaching up to 2 meters and a total length of 4.5 meters. Despite its imposing size, this magnificent creature is known for its distinctive “smiley” mouth on its underside, adding a touch of charm to its graceful appearance.

What makes the whai particularly fascinating is its hunting technique. A specialized lateral line system on its underside enables these rays to detect subtle water jets produced by buried molluscs like clams and shrimps.

The short-tail stingray’s reproductive strategy is equally intriguing. Through ovovivipary, mothers carry their young as eggs that hatch internally, giving birth to live pups. These juveniles stick close to shorelines during their early stages, utilizing the protective environment of coastal waters before venturing further out as adults.

The Fish of the Year competition serves as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by marine species while celebrating biodiversity in New Zealand’s waters.

Supporting the whai in this year’s competition means championing a species that embodies both the beauty and complexity of marine life.

As voting approaches, we encourage our ocean-loving whānau to get behind this extraordinary ray.