General Description
A large skate with an angled disc; snout broadly pointed with a central cartilaginous support; tail short, with 1-3 rows of thorns and two dorsal fins near the tip; 1-4 thorns along the middle behind the head; a patch of thorns on each wing. Grey or greyish-brown on top, scattered with white flecks, underside pale. Juveniles have a large dark blotch on each wing. To 1.7 m.
Biology
This species is abundant in shallow coastal waters where it feeds on fishes, octopuses and crabs. Females lay small leathery rectangular egg cases often called 'mermaid's purses'. Although not venomous, its thorny tail can inflict a painful injury.
Distribution
Southern Australia.
Habitat
Coastal waters, in depths of 1-345 m,
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Maximum Size
1.7 m
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Habitats
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Diet
Carnivore
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Hazards
Although not venomous, its thorny tail can inflict a painful injury.
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
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Depths
Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Iredale, 1938)
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Common Name
Melbourne Skate
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Superclass
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Class
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Subclass
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Superorder
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
whitleyi