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Pale softnose skate (Notoraja ochroderma) — Arhynchobatidae

Pale softnose skate

Notoraja ochroderma

The Pale softnose skate (Notoraja ochroderma) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–450.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Pale softnose skate is a skate (Rajidae) of sand and mud bottoms of the deep western Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc with large pectoral fins, a long, thin tail and rows of thorns on the back. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried and searches for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it reproduces via egg cases. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pale softnose skate?

The Pale softnose skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Pale softnose skate live?

The Pale softnose skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Pale softnose skate get?

The Pale softnose skate grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.

Is the Pale softnose skate dangerous to humans?

No, the Pale softnose 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
Pale softnose skate sourced
Scientific name
Notoraja ochroderma
Family
Arhynchobatidae
Other names
Pale skate verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
450.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
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

Same genus Notoraja

More from the family Arhynchobatidae

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