Fin's Fish Guide
The Antarctic starry skate (Amblyraja georgiana) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 115 cm.
Description
The Antarctic starry skate is a skate of the Southern Ocean, mainly around South Georgia and the Scotia Ridge, and is also reported off Chile. It grows to about 115 cm and has a rhomboid head disc with an exceptionally rough skin set with star-shaped denticles. A bottom-dweller, the fish lives on the continental shelf and upper slopes between about 20 and 350 metres depth and feeds on small benthic invertebrates. The species is oviparous: the egg capsules bear conspicuous horn-like projections at the corners and the embryos live off the yolk. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists it as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Antarctic starry skate?
The Antarctic starry skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very rough skin with star-shaped denticles; egg cases with horn-like projections
Where does the Antarctic starry skate live?
The Antarctic starry skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Ocean (subantarctic)
How big does the Antarctic starry skate get?
The Antarctic starry skate grows to a maximum of about 115 cm.
Is the Antarctic starry skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Antarctic starry skate is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Antarctic starry skate edible?
The Antarctic starry skate is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amblyraja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Antarctic starry skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Antarctic starry skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.