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Yellownose skate (Zearaja chilensis) — Rajidae

Yellownose skate

Zearaja chilensis
Family: Rajidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Yellownose skate (Zearaja chilensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 152 cm.

Length
152 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–40.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Falkland Is., Uruguay
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Yellownose skate is a skate (Rajidae) from coastal waters of the southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic, off southern South America. The species grows to about 150 cm and has a flattened, diamond-shaped, brown body with a pointed snout and a long tail with rows of thorns. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it searches sand and mud bottoms for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellownose skate?

The Yellownose skate has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Yellownose skate live?

The Yellownose skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Falkland Is., Uruguay

How big does the Yellownose skate get?

The Yellownose skate grows to a maximum of about 152 cm.

Is the Yellownose skate dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellownose 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.

Is the Yellownose skate edible?

Yes, the Yellownose skate is commonly eaten.

More photos

Yellownose skate (Zearaja chilensis) — Rajidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Diego Almendras, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellownose skate sourced
Scientific name
Zearaja chilensis
Family
Rajidae
Other names
Yellownose skate; Barn-door skate verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
152.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Falkland Is., Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Zearaja

More from the family Rajidae

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