Slimtail skate

📖 Overview

Slimtail skate (Bathyraja longicauda) is a ray-finned fish of the family Arhynchobatidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 80 cm. It occurs at depths between 400 and 735 metres. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

This species is distinguished by having the anterior disc margin distinctly undulating; pectoral-fin apices narrowly or abruptly rounded; preorbital length times orbital length 2.00-2.68; preorbital length times interorbital length 1.02-1.30; interorbital space times orbit length 1.20–-1.50; orbital length times spiracle length 2.00-2.53; with a median row of thorns originating from the posterior half of the disc; number of median thorns 26-30; interdorsal thorns 1 or 2; the dorsal disc surface and tail with finely textured denticles on adults confined to a narrow median band originating just posterior to mid-disc and extending along the tail; teeth arranged in quincunx; predorsal tail vertebrae 62; total predorsal vertebrae 93; pectoral-fin radial count 72. Colouration: uniformly colored on their dorsal and ventral surfaces, no blotches, spots, or other distinctive patterns which is consistent at all sizes from young to adult .Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Slimtail skate is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk . Eggs have horn-like projections on the shell .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 400 - 735 m . Subtropical Southeast Pacific: northern Peru to central Chile.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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