Fin's Fish Guide
The Spinetail ray (Bathyraja spinicauda) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 170 cm.
Description
The spinytail skate is a large skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the cold, deep northern Atlantic. The species grows to about 1.7 metres and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a row of stout thorns along the tail, to which the name refers. It is a bottom dweller of deep, cold water on the continental shelf and slope. As a bottom hunter it feeds on all kinds of bottom animals, including fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Reproduction is oviparous, with horny egg cases. Owing to fishing as bycatch it is listed as Near Threatened (NT). Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spinetail ray?
The Spinetail ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Row of stout thorns along the tail; large cold-water ray, near threatened (NT) through bycatch.
Where does the Spinetail ray live?
The Spinetail ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Cold, deep North Atlantic; continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Spinetail ray get?
The Spinetail ray grows to a maximum of about 170 cm.
Is the Spinetail ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Spinetail ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spinetail ray edible?
The Spinetail ray 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 Spinetail ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spinetail ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone