Melbourne Skate
Spiniraja whitleyi
- Group: Ray
- Typical depth: 1–170 m
- Max size: 2 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: VU
The largest skate in its waters, the Melbourne skate cruises soft bottoms close to shore and down to several hundred metres, feeding on crabs, octopus and small fishes. It lays tough egg cases tipped with horn like projections, and a careless handler can be hurt by its rough skin.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Rajiformes › Rajidae › Raja
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 712958.
FAQ
- How deep does the Melbourne Skate live?
- The Melbourne Skate (Spiniraja whitleyi) is typically found at 1–170 m.
- Is the Melbourne Skate dangerous to divers?
- The Melbourne Skate can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Melbourne Skate get?
- The Melbourne Skate grows to about 2 m.