Fin's Fish Guide
The Bleeker's whipray (Pateobatis bleekeri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dasyatidae that grows up to 84 cm.
Description
Bleeker's whipray is a large whiptail stingray (Dasyatidae) from coastal and brackish water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 84 cm across and has a diamond-shaped, flattened, brown-grey disc and a very long, whip-like tail with a venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of estuaries and coastal water and searches for molluscs, crustaceans and worms. The tail spine can inflict a very painful wound; never walk on sandy bottoms without shuffling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bleeker's whipray?
The Bleeker's whipray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Bleeker's whipray live?
The Bleeker's whipray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Bahrain, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Iraq and others
How big does the Bleeker's whipray get?
The Bleeker's whipray grows to a maximum of about 84 cm.
Is the Bleeker's whipray dangerous to humans?
The Bleeker's whipray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Leave the water and rinse the wound with clean water; do not remove embedded spine fragments on the spot. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C) to ease pain. A sting to the torso, chest or abdomen is an emergency: call medical help immediately and check tetanus status.
Is the Bleeker's whipray edible?
Yes, the Bleeker's whipray is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pateobatis
More from the family Dasyatidae
Want the complete picture on the Bleeker's whipray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bleeker's whipray is one of 12,519 species in the app.