Fin's Fish Guide
The Equatorial skate (Raja equatorialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The equatorial skate is a skate from the eastern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of California and Costa Rica to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a rhomboid head disc, characteristic of the skates. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf between about 20 and 200 metres depth and feeds on small bottom animals. The species is oviparous, with egg cases bearing horn-like projections. Owing to fishing pressure it is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Equatorial skate?
The Equatorial skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Diamond-shaped head shield; oviparous with horny egg cases
Where does the Equatorial skate live?
The Equatorial skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Equatorial skate get?
The Equatorial skate grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Equatorial skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Equatorial 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.
Is the Equatorial skate edible?
The Equatorial skate is rarely eaten.
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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 Equatorial skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Equatorial skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.