Fin's Fish Guide
The Eaton's skate (Bathyraja eatonii) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Southern Ocean; continental shelf and slope around Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands.
Description
Eaton's skate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the cold waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. The species grows to about one metre and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc. It lives on the bottom of the continental shelf and slope at considerable depth. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous: the eggs are in horny capsules with projections. Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eaton's skate?
The Eaton's skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Flat, diamond-shaped disc; cold-water ray of the Southern Ocean without a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Eaton's skate live?
The Eaton's skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Ocean; continental shelf and slope around Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands.
How big does the Eaton's skate get?
The Eaton's skate grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Eaton's skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Eaton's skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eaton's skate edible?
The Eaton's skate is not usually 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 Eaton's skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eaton's skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone