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Eastern looseskin skate (Insentiraja laxipella) — Arhynchobatidae

Eastern looseskin skate

Insentiraja laxipella

The Eastern looseskin skate (Insentiraja laxipella) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–880.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The eastern looseskin skate is a softnose skate (Arhynchobatidae) of sand and mud bottoms of the deep ocean slope around Australia. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc with large pectoral fins, a soft, flabby snout and a long, thin tail with a few thorns. As a slow bottom-dweller of deep water it lies half-buried and searches for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it reproduces via egg cases. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern looseskin skate?

The Eastern looseskin skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Eastern looseskin skate live?

The Eastern looseskin skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Eastern looseskin skate get?

The Eastern looseskin skate grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Eastern looseskin skate dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern looseskin skate is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Eastern looseskin skate sourced
Scientific name
Insentiraja laxipella
Family
Arhynchobatidae
Other names
Eastern looseskin skate verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
880.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Arhynchobatidae

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