Fin's Fish Guide
The Austral ray (Bathyraja griseocauda) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Southwest Atlantic and around the southern tip of South America; deep bottoms.
Description
The graytail skate is a deepwater skate (Arhynchobatidae) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and around the southern tip of South America. The species has a flat, rhomboid body disc with broad pectoral fins and a long, grey tail, to which the name refers. It lives on the bottom of the continental shelf and slope at considerable depth. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. Skates are oviparous: the eggs are laid in horny egg cases with projections. Owing to fisheries the species is endangered. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Austral ray?
The Austral ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long grey tail; oviparous with horny egg cases; threatened by fishing.
Where does the Austral ray live?
The Austral ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic and around the southern tip of South America; deep bottoms.
How big does the Austral ray get?
The Austral ray grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Austral ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Austral ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Austral ray edible?
The Austral ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Austral ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Austral ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.