The Equatorial skate (Raja equatorialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The equatorial skate is a skate from the eastern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of California and Costa Rica to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a rhomboid head disc, characteristic of the skates. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf between about 20 and 200 metres depth and feeds on small bottom animals. The species is oviparous, with egg cases bearing horn-like projections. Owing to fishing pressure it is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Equatorial skate?
The Equatorial skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Equatorial skate live?
The Equatorial skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Equatorial skate get?
The Equatorial skate grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Equatorial skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Equatorial skate is harmless to humans.
Is the Equatorial skate edible?
The Equatorial skate is rarely eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.