Whitespotted Skate

whitespotted shark
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit2

 

possession limit4

 

boat limit5

Bag and possession limits are for sharks and rays other than school, gummy, mako, blue, or elephantfish combined. Boat limit is for all shark and ray species combined, excluding elephantfish.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

Hind skate, skate


Scientific name

Dipturus cerva

Grows to


Up to

60cm and 10kg

Identifying features


​A small brown to yellow skate with white spots on the back and white underneath.  The skin is smooth without any spines on the tail.

​​Area Restriction 

Do not take in shark refuge areas. 

Habitat

Found mainly in deep bottom waters around Tasmania and the Great Australian Bight from 20-470 metres depth.

Fishing Information

These skates are commonly caught by anglers targeting other bottom dwelling species such as gummy shark, flathead and cod. Usually taken on longlines or when using a rod and line for other species. They will take a variety of baits including fish flesh, squid and pilchards.

Handling

They have crushing plates in their mouth with strong jaws, so keep hands and feet clear of this region.

Cooking

This skate has good quality meat in its flaps and is becoming increasingly popular to eat.  Cooked in similar ways to shark.​

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au