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Starry skate (Raja stellulata) — Rajidae

Starry skate

Raja stellulata
Family: Rajidae

The Starry skate (Raja stellulata) is a fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 75 cm.

Length
75 cm
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The starry skate is a true skate (Rajidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Pacific along North America. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc with large pectoral fins, a long, thin tail and rows of star-like thorns on the back. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried and searches for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it reproduces via egg cases. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Starry skate?

The Starry skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Starry skate live?

The Starry skate is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Starry skate get?

The Starry skate grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.

Is the Starry skate dangerous to humans?

No, the Starry skate is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sterren-rog sourced
English name
Starry skate sourced
Scientific name
Raja stellulata
Family
Rajidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
75 inferred
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Raja

More from the family Rajidae

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