Fin's Fish Guide
The Bignose fanskate (Sympterygia acuta) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Southwest Atlantic; soft bottoms of the continental shelf around southern South America.
Description
The bignose fanskate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the south-western Atlantic around southern South America. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a pointed snout. It lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and feeds on bottom animals such as crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous: the eggs are in horny capsules with projections. Unlike stingrays, a skate lacks a venomous tail spine. Owing to heavy fishing and habitat pressure the species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bignose fanskate?
The Bignose fanskate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Flat, diamond-shaped disc with a pointed snout; critically endangered ray without a venomous tail spine.
Where does the Bignose fanskate live?
The Bignose fanskate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; soft bottoms of the continental shelf around southern South America.
How big does the Bignose fanskate get?
The Bignose fanskate grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 36 cm.
Is the Bignose fanskate dangerous to humans?
No, the Bignose fanskate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bignose fanskate edible?
The Bignose fanskate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sympterygia
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bignose fanskate is one of 12,519 species in the app.