Common Name
Graytail Skate
Year Described
Norman, 1937
Identification
Nuchal median thorns: None
Tail median thorns: 18-20
Disk diamond shaped with a uniform covering of prickles on dorsum (also between eyes, median area, and tail). Median thorn row restricted to tail. Tail median thorn row flanked with stripes of strong spinules. Snout relatively short with slightly convex anterior margins. Anterior margin of pectoral fins concave. Ocular and scapular thorns absent. Alar thorns number 21-24. Interdorsal thorn usually absent but when present is small. Claspers long and narrow. Teeth are conical and sharp.
Color
Upper disk gray with dense small black spots. Tail not banded. Underside whitish with no markings.
Size
Maximum size to 130cm DW.
Habitat
Caught on continental shelf waters from 106-523m (usually between 200-300m). Large individuals and juveniles occur at greatest depths.
Range
Southwest Atlantic: Uruguay to Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and the sub-Antarctic islands. Also off Chile.
References
Bizikov, V., Arkhipkin A.I., Laptikhovsky VV., Pompert J.H.W. 2004. Identification guide and biology of the Falkland skates. Stanley, Falkland Islands: Fisheries Department, Falkland Island Government. 11p.
Last, P.R., White, W.T., Carvalho, M.R. de, Séret, B., Stehmann, M.F.W & Naylor, G.J.P (Eds.). 2016. Rays of the World. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.