Clearnose skate (Rostroraja eglanteria)

Image source: Neil DeMaster | inaturalist.org

General data

Main name: Clearnose skate
Local names: Brier skate, Summer skate
Climates: Subtropical
Habitat: Saltwater
Native: North America
Distribution: Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico

Classification

Genus: Rostroraja - Rostroraja
Family: Rajidae - Skates
Order: Rajiformes - Skates and rays
Class: Elasmobranchii - Sharks and Rays
Superclass: Chondrichthyes - Cartilaginous fishes

Description

The clearnose skate (Rostroraja eglanteria) is a species of cartilaginous fish in the family Rajidae. R. eglanteria is also known by other common names such as the brier skate and summer skate. Clearnose skates are easily identified by the translucent patches on either side of their snouts and their mottled dorsal surface. They are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States in shallow waters of the continental shelf. Mature clearnose skates reach up to 79 cm (31 in) in total length and 52 cm (20 in) in width. The tail is approximately half the total length. Another notable characteristic of clearnose skates is their line of thorns along the middle of the back and tail. The remainder of the dorsal surface is covered in small prickles, yielding the common name of brier skate.[8] These prickles are concentrated on the anterior portion of the disc, as well as along the spine, like the thorns.

Clearnose skate (Rostroraja eglanteria)

General data

Classification

Description

Taxonomy of Fishes