Fin's Fish Guide
The Melbourne skate (Dipturus whitleyi) is a fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 170 cm.
Description
The Melbourne skate is a large skate (Rajidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 1.7 metres and has a flattened, diamond-shaped, grey-brown body with a pointed snout and rows of thorns over the back and tail. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it searches sand and mud bottoms for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Melbourne skate?
The Melbourne skate is mainly brown.
Where does the Melbourne skate live?
The Melbourne skate is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Melbourne skate get?
The Melbourne skate grows to a maximum of about 170 cm.
Is the Melbourne skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Melbourne skate is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Melbourne skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Melbourne skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dipturus
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Melbourne skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Melbourne skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.