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Markle's skate (Breviraja marklei) — Rajidae

Markle's skate

Breviraja marklei
Family: Rajidae

The Markle's skate (Breviraja marklei) is a fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

Markle's skate is a skate (Rajidae) of the continental slope in the deep western Atlantic. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc with a short snout and a prickly back and tail. As a bottom-dweller of the cold deep water it lies on sand and mud and searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. It reproduces with egg cases. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Markle's skate?

The Markle's skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Markle's skate live?

The Markle's skate is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Markle's skate get?

The Markle's skate grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Markle's skate dangerous to humans?

No, the Markle's 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
Markle's skate sourced
Scientific name
Breviraja marklei
Family
Rajidae
Other names
Round ray; Round skate; Nova Scotia skate; Sandy skate

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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

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 Rajidae

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