The Prickly skate (Malacoraja senta) is a brackish-water fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 71 cm.
Description
The smooth skate is a true skate (Rajidae) from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a flattened, diamond-shaped body with broad pectoral fins and a largely smooth skin, to which the name refers. It inhabits soft mud and clay bottoms of deeper troughs and basins, and also sand, shell and gravel bottoms of the outer shelf. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous tail spine. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, worms and small fishes. It reproduces with egg capsules. Owing to fishing it is considered vulnerable. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Prickly skate?
The Prickly skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Prickly skate live?
The Prickly skate lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Prickly skate get?
The Prickly skate grows to a maximum of about 71 cm.
Is the Prickly skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Prickly skate is harmless to humans.
Is the Prickly skate edible?
The Prickly skate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Rajidae
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