Fin's Fish Guide
The Filetail fanskate (Sympterygia lima) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The filetail fanskate is a small skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the southeastern Pacific, endemic to the coast of Chile, from Arica to Valdivia and Puerto Montt. The species reaches about 25 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc and a long tail with rows of small thorns that feel like a file. It lives benthically on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. The diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The species is egg-laying and deposits horny egg cases with conspicuous horn-like projections. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Filetail fanskate?
The Filetail fanskate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Long tail with file-like prickles; lays horny egg cases; harmless (no venomous sting).
Where does the Filetail fanskate live?
The Filetail fanskate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Pacific, along the coast of Chile.
How big does the Filetail fanskate get?
The Filetail fanskate grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Filetail fanskate dangerous to humans?
No, the Filetail fanskate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Filetail fanskate edible?
The Filetail fanskate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sympterygia
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Filetail fanskate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Filetail fanskate is one of 12,519 species in the app.