Fin's Fish Guide
The Biscuit skate (Raja straeleni) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from West Africa to South Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The biscuit skate is a diamond-shaped ray of the family Rajidae (true skates) reaching a disc width of about 70 cm. The upper side is brown with a fine marbling, numerous small spots and often an indistinct eyespot on each pectoral fin; the snout is somewhat pointed. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous tail spine but rows of small thorns over the back and tail. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf from West Africa to South Africa. On the bottom it hunts crabs, shrimps, crustaceans and small fish. It is egg-laying: the embryos develop in horny egg cases. Through fishing pressure in the north of its range it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Biscuit skate?
The Biscuit skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray with a pointed snout; brown back with marbled markings, fine spots and often an eyespot on each pectoral fin.
Where does the Biscuit skate live?
The Biscuit skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from West Africa to South Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Biscuit skate get?
The Biscuit skate grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Biscuit skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Biscuit skate is harmless to humans. Unlike stingrays this skate has no venomous tail spine and is harmless; the skin and small thorns can abrade, however.
Is the Biscuit skate edible?
Yes, the Biscuit skate is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Biscuit skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Biscuit skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Biscuit skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Biscuit skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.