Fin's Fish Guide
The Cuphead skate (Bathyraja scaphiops) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 111 cm.
Southwest Atlantic; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The cuphead skate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the south-western Atlantic off southern South America. The species grows to about 1.1 metres and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with conspicuous, cup-like recessed eyes, to which the name refers. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous, with horny egg cases with projections. Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cuphead skate?
The Cuphead skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Bowl-shaped sunken eyes; cold-water skate without a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Cuphead skate live?
The Cuphead skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Cuphead skate get?
The Cuphead skate grows to a maximum of about 111 cm.
Is the Cuphead skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Cuphead skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cuphead skate edible?
The Cuphead skate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bathyraja
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Cuphead skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cuphead skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone