Common Name
Darkbelly Skate
Year Described
Stehmann, 1987
Identification
Nuchal median thorns: continuous with median row
Tail median thorns: 37-50
Disk diamond shaped with occasional prickles, especially on the anterior of disk, but smooth on posterior disk (prickles between eyes, median area, and tail). Median thorn row continuous between trunk and 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 ?. Interdorsal thorn usually absent but when present is small. Claspers long and narrow. Teeth are conical and sharp.
Color
Upper disk usually grey-brown in juveniles and uniform brown in adults. Rostrum and area between eyes whitish. Markings usually absent. Underside cream with increasingly larger areas of dark blotching with size. Many large adults overall dark below with white areas near mouth, gills, and belly. Underside of tail dark.
Size
Maximum size to 104cm DW.
Habitat
A deepwater species: caught on the continental slope deeper than 600m.
Range
Southwest Atlantic: off Argentina and the Falkland Islands to the Scotia Arc.
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.