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,

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