Clearnose skate

Raja eglanteria

Species Information
Exhibit Name and Location Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, Atlantic Shelf–Main Aquarium Level 2
Description of Animal The Clearnose skate gets its name from the translucent areas on either side of its pointed snout. This skate also has a distinctive row of spines along the midridge of the back and down each side of the tail. Members of the skate family, unlike most other rays, have a muscular tail, which usually has two small dorsal fins near the tip and sometimes a caudal (tail) fin. Skates do not have tail spines as found on stingrays.
Aquarist's Note Visitors are sometimes surprised to spot a long PVC pipe inserted into this display. The pipe is an important tool used during feeding. Some of the fish that share space with the Clearnose skate are aggressive feeders that will eat food intended for other animals. Without help, the skate might go hungry. We place one end of the pipe right next to the skate, put the skate’s food into the pipe at the top, and when the food reaches the bottom, we lift the pipe, and the skate dines - with no competition.
Diet Mollusks, shrimp, crabs, and small fishes are the predominant items taken by these rays.
Size These rays reach a maximum disk width of 19 inches (48 cm) and an overall length of 33 inches (84 cm).
Range Clearnose skates are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to southern Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. They are commonly caught in inshore waters but move offshore during the colder months. This adaptable species has been caught in water temperatures from 43 to 80 degrees Farenheit (6-27 degrees Celsius).
Population Status This skate is not considered threatened or endangered. It is the most common skate in some parts of its range.
Predators Any large marine carnivore, such as the sand tiger shark, is a potential predator of skates. Clearnose skates are not traditionally targeted by commercial fisheries, although they are taken frequently as by-catch.