Fin's Fish Guide
The White skate (Rostroraja alba) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 230 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope; today reduced to small remnant populations.
Description
The white skate is a large skate of the family Rajidae reaching a total length of about 2.3 metres and a wingspan of over one and a half metres. The diamond-shaped body, formed by the pectoral fins fused to the head, has a pointed snout; the upper side is grey-brown with fine pale spots, while the white underside has a dark-rimmed rear edge to the fins. Young animals are more boldly marked than adults. The species lives on sand and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf and upper slope of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On the bottom it hunts fish, crustaceans and squid. It grows slowly and has declined sharply through fishing; it is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White skate?
The White skate has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large ray with a pointed snout; upperside grey-brown with small light blotches, underside white with a dark-rimmed rear edge to the fins.
Where does the White skate live?
The White skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope; today reduced to small remnant populations.
How big does the White skate get?
The White skate grows to a maximum of about 230 cm.
Is the White skate dangerous to humans?
The White skate can cause injury; handle it with care. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White skate edible?
The White skate is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the White skate and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the White skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.