Common Name
Whitemouth Skate
Year Described
Krefft, 1968
Identification
Nuchal median thorns: None in adults
Tail median thorns: 16-24 (up to 45 in juveniles extending onto trunk)
Disk diamond shaped and smooth (no thorns around eyes). Median thorn row restricted to tail in adults. Median thorns not flanked by rows of additional thorns. Tail long and slender. Snout relatively short with a convex edge. Anterior margin of pectoral fins concave. Ocular and scapular thorns absent. Alar thorns number 20. Interdorsal thorn present and robust. Claspers long and narrow with enlarged tips. Teeth are conical and sharp.
Color
Upper disk pale brown to cream with no markings. Underside strikingly dark gray all over.
Size
Maximum size to 128cm TL.
Habitat
Caught in very deep water around the Falklands: around 1900m. Elsewhere at depths from 500-3000m.
Range
Southwest Atlantic: Argentina to Chile. One record from 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.