Fin's Fish Guide
The Patagonian skate (Bathyraja macloviana) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 71 cm.
Southwest Atlantic and southeast Pacific; continental shelf from Uruguay and Argentina to Chile (Magallanes) and the Falkland Islands.
Description
The Falkland skate is a skate of the family Arhynchobatidae from the cold south-western Atlantic around southern South America and the Falkland Islands. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a short, rounded snout. It lives on the bottom of the continental shelf and feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Reproduction is oviparous, with horny egg cases. Owing to fishing as bycatch the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Patagonian skate?
The Patagonian skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Flat, diamond-shaped disc with a short snout; near threatened cold-water ray because of bycatch.
Where does the Patagonian skate live?
The Patagonian skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic and southeast Pacific; continental shelf from Uruguay and Argentina to Chile (Magallanes) and the Falkland Islands.
How big does the Patagonian skate get?
The Patagonian skate grows to a maximum of about 71 cm.
Is the Patagonian skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Patagonian skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Patagonian skate edible?
The Patagonian skate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bathyraja
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Patagonian skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Patagonian skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.