Fin's Fish Guide
The La Plata skate (Atlantoraja platana) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 82 cm.
Description
The La Plata skate is a skate (Arhynchobatidae) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a flat, diamond-shaped body disc with thorny denticles and a long tail; it lacks a venomous spine. It lives bottom-bound on soft bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. It lays eggs in horny egg cases. Through fishing it is endangered. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the La Plata skate?
The La Plata skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray without a venomous spine; oviparous, threatened by fishing in the La Plata region.
Where does the La Plata skate live?
The La Plata skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic; soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the La Plata skate get?
The La Plata skate grows to a maximum of about 82 cm. On average the species is around 27 cm.
Is the La Plata skate dangerous to humans?
No, the La Plata skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the La Plata skate edible?
Yes, the La Plata skate is commonly 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 La Plata skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the La Plata skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.