Fin's Fish Guide
The Thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 105 cm.
North Atlantic on both sides and the North Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The thorny skate is a flat cartilaginous fish of the family Rajidae reaching about 105 cm. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, is brownish with light and dark spots. Characteristic is a row of large, star-shaped bucklers down the back and tail, while the whole upper side feels rough with fine thorns. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the northern Atlantic and the North Sea, from shallow water to more than a thousand metres. On the bottom it hunts crustaceans, worms, shellfish and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules and grows slowly; due to heavy fishing it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thorny skate?
The Thorny skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Diamond-shaped ray with a row of large, star-shaped bucklers over the back and tail, on a rough skin covered with small thorns.
Where does the Thorny skate live?
The Thorny skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic on both sides and the North Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Thorny skate get?
The Thorny skate grows to a maximum of about 105 cm.
Is the Thorny skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Thorny skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Thorny skate edible?
The Thorny skate is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Thorny 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 Amblyraja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Thorny skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thorny skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.