Fin's Fish Guide
The Roundel skate (Raja texana) is a fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 55 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The roundel skate is a skate of the family Rajidae from the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 55 cm and has a flat, rhomboidal pectoral disc with a conspicuous, pale-ringed eyespot on each side, to which the name 'roundel' refers. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Reproduction is oviparous, with horny egg cases. Unlike stingrays a skate lacks a venomous tail spine; it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roundel skate?
The Roundel skate is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Pale-rimmed eyespot on either side of the disc ('roundel'); ray without a venomous tail sting.
Where does the Roundel skate live?
The Roundel skate is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Roundel skate get?
The Roundel skate grows to a maximum of about 55 cm.
Is the Roundel skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Roundel skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Roundel skate edible?
The Roundel skate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roundel skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.