Fin's Fish Guide
The Common skate (Dipturus batis) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 285 cm.
Northeast Atlantic; formerly widespread, now mainly around Scotland and Ireland, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The common skate is the largest ray in Europe; this flat cartilaginous fish of the family Rajidae reaches a wingspan of nearly 3 metres. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, has a long, pointed snout and is grey-brown to greenish with pale spots; a row of spines runs along the tail. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, where it hunts bottom fish, crabs and lobsters. It lives more than fifty years, matures late and lays large egg cases. Because of this slow life history the common skate has almost vanished from the North Sea through fishing and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR); in the EU it is strictly protected.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common skate?
The Common skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. The largest ray in Europe; a diamond-shaped, long-snouted ray with a row of spines on the tail. Very long-lived and slow-growing.
Where does the Common skate live?
The Common skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic; formerly widespread, now mainly around Scotland and Ireland, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Common skate get?
The Common skate grows to a maximum of about 285 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Common skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Common skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common skate edible?
The Common skate is not usually eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common skate and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dipturus
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Common skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.