| Family: |
Rajidae (Skates) |
| Max. size: |
285 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 113 kg |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 1500 m |
| Distribution: |
Northeast Atlantic: Iceland to the British isles, it was formerly more widespread, including the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa, but its range is thought to be reduced due to fishing. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. This species is characterized by the following: snout long and pointed, length 3.7-5.1 times orbit length; disc broadly rhombic, anterior margin deeply concave; a row of 12-18 predorsal thorns in median row along tail (disc smooth in young); lateral thorns on tail pointed towards head; interspace between dorsal fins (2.4 ± 0.5 TL); upper surface dark olive-green in young with small pale spots, becoming greyish-brown; underside greyish or whitish; iris olive green (Ref. 114953, 127223). |
| Biology: |
A benthic species found in shelf and slope waters, mainly within the 200 m range but occasionally down to 1,500 m (Ref. 114953, 127218, 127220, 127222). Feeds on all kinds of bottom invertebrates and fish, including other skates (Ref. 114953). Oviparous, with long embryonic development. Males reach maturity at ca. 185 cm TL, females at 197 cm TL; birth size at ca. 29 cm TL, from large egg cases (up to 25 cm) (Ref. 114953). Biology unclear due to past taxonomic confusion. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 02 April 2021 (A2bcd) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
