Common Name
Patagonian Skate
Year Described
Norman, 1937
Identification
Nuchal median thorns: continuous with median row
Tail median thorns: 21-28
Disk diamond shaped with occasional coarse prickles, especially on the anterior and margins of disk (prickles in median area and tail). Median thorn row continuous between trunk and tail. Tail median thorn row flanked with two stripes of strong spinules. Snout relatively short with slightly convex anterior margins. Anterior margin of pectoral fins concave. Two robust ocular thorns. One scapular thorn present. Alar thorns number 17-20. Midline of area between dorsal fins with interdorsal thorn. Claspers long and narrow with slightly enlarged tips. Teeth are conical and sharp.
Color
Upper disk dark brown to gray with a reticulate pattern of dark markings and spots and occasional diffuse whitish blotches and spots. There are sometimes 2-4 ocelli on the pectoral fins. Underside uniformly whitish.
Size
Maximum size to 58cm DW.
Habitat
Caught on the continental shelf from 113-389m (usually between 150-200m).
Range
Southwest Atlantic: Uruguay to Argentina and the Falkland Islands.
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. 11 p.