Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean starry skate (Raja asterias) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The Mediterranean starry skate is a flat cartilaginous fish of the family Rajidae reaching about 75 cm. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, is light brown with numerous small dark spots and often pale eyespots; rows of star-shaped thorns run down the back and tail, from which the species takes its name. It is nearly endemic to the Mediterranean and also occurs along the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. On the bottom it hunts crabs, shrimps, worms and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules. Due to fishing in the Mediterranean it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean starry skate?
The Mediterranean starry skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray with numerous small dark spots and pale eyespots, and rows of star-shaped small thorns over the back and tail.
Where does the Mediterranean starry skate live?
The Mediterranean starry skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Mediterranean starry skate get?
The Mediterranean starry skate grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Mediterranean starry skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean starry skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean starry skate edible?
Yes, the Mediterranean starry skate is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Mediterranean starry skate and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean starry skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean starry skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.