Common Name
Magellan Skate
Year Described
Philippi, 1901
Identification
Nuchal median thorns: continuous with median row
Tail median thorns: 25-32
Disk diamond shaped and quite smooth (prickles on disk margin, the midline, tail, and around the orbits). Median thorn row continuous between trunk and tail. Snout relatively short with slightly convex anterior margins. Anterior margin of pectoral fins concave. Each eye with 2 robust ocular thorns and 1-2 weak thorns in between. Two scapular thorns. Alar thorns number 18-20. Dorsal fins are separated by an interdorsal thorn. Claspers long and narrow. Teeth are conical and sharp.
Color
Upper disk dark gray with black line and spots markings often forming rings. Several larger paler blotches surrounded by black rings. Rostrum with transparent windows on either side. Tail with three whitish bands. Underside whitish with a few dark blotches.
Size
Maximum size to 55cm DW.
Habitat
Caught in relatively shallow shelf waters, from 58-150m, with juveniles taken deeper (150-285m).
Range
Southwest Atlantic: Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Also the SE Pacific 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. 11 p.