The largest skate on the planet, the common skate (Dipturus batis) is not popular anymore and is severely endangered because of overfishing in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also called blue skate and belongs to the family Rajidae; preferring to travel in schools of the same sex and age with juveniles preferring shallow waters. The common skate is recognized by a rhombic shaped body with a sharp snout, tail displaying rows of spines and thorns, light blue-grey underside but olive-grey or brown coats. The fish has the speed and flexibility to grab large prey like mackerel.
Common Skates have a total width between 4.9’-6.6’ (1.5-2 m) and overall length of 6.6’-9.4’ (2-2.85 m). The typical weight of the Common Skate is in the range of 220-330 lb (100-150 kg). Common Skates have lifespans between 50-55 years.
The largest skate on the planet, the common skate (Dipturus batis) is not popular anymore and is severely endangered because of overfishing in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also called blue skate and belongs to the family Rajidae; preferring to travel in schools of the same sex and age with juveniles preferring shallow waters. The common skate is recognized by a rhombic shaped body with a sharp snout, tail displaying rows of spines and thorns, light blue-grey underside but olive-grey or brown coats. The fish has the speed and flexibility to grab large prey like mackerel.
Common Skates have a total width between 4.9’-6.6’ (1.5-2 m) and overall length of 6.6’-9.4’ (2-2.85 m). The typical weight of the Common Skate is in the range of 220-330 lb (100-150 kg). Common Skates have lifespans between 50-55 years.