Fin's Fish Guide
The Eyespot skate (Atlantoraja cyclophora) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 79 cm.
Description
The eyespot skate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the south-western Atlantic off south-eastern South America. The species grows to about 79 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a conspicuous, ring-shaped eyespot on each side, to which the name refers. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous, with horny egg cases. Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine. Owing to fishing the species is listed as Endangered (EN) and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eyespot skate?
The Eyespot skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Ring-shaped eyespot on either side of the disc; ray without a venomous tail spine, endangered (EN).
Where does the Eyespot skate live?
The Eyespot skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Eyespot skate get?
The Eyespot skate grows to a maximum of about 79 cm.
Is the Eyespot skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Eyespot skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eyespot skate edible?
The Eyespot skate is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atlantoraja
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Eyespot skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eyespot skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.