Fin's Fish Guide
The Shorttail skate (Sympterygia brevicaudata) is a saltwater fish of the family Arhynchobatidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
The shorttail skate is a skate (Arhynchobatidae) from coastal waters of the southeast Pacific, off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a flattened, diamond-shaped, brown body with a fairly short tail bearing rows of thorns. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it searches sand and mud bottoms for crustaceans, worms and small fish; it lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shorttail skate?
The Shorttail skate has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Shorttail skate live?
The Shorttail skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Chile, Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Shorttail skate get?
The Shorttail skate grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Shorttail skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Shorttail 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sympterygia
More from the family Arhynchobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Shorttail skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorttail skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.