Fin's Fish Guide
The Clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 84 cm.
Western Atlantic, from Massachusetts to southern Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, in estuaries, bays and coastal waters.
Description
The clearnose skate is a skate (family Rajidae) of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 84 cm and has a rhomboid pectoral disc, brown in colour with dark spots, streaks and bars, and translucent areas on the sides of the snout that give it its name. A row of thorns runs along the back. It lives on sand and mud bottoms in estuaries, bays and coastal waters, from shallow to about 330 m. Its diet consists of decapod crustaceans, bivalves, polychaetes, squids and fishes. The species is oviparous, laying angular egg capsules; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Clearnose skate?
The Clearnose skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Translucent patches on either side of the snout; a row of thorns along the back; lays angular egg cases ("mermaid's purses").
Where does the Clearnose skate live?
The Clearnose skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, from Massachusetts to southern Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, in estuaries, bays and coastal waters.
How big does the Clearnose skate get?
The Clearnose skate grows to a maximum of about 84 cm.
Is the Clearnose skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Clearnose skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Clearnose skate edible?
The Clearnose skate is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Clearnose skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clearnose skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Clearnose skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clearnose skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.