Dark-belly skate
📖 Overview
Dark-belly skate (Bathyraja meridionalis) 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 120 cm. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Dark-belly skate is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dark-belly skate is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dark-belly skate is currently being compiled.
🥚 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 ? - 800 m . Polar; 53°S - 56°S, 180°W - 180°E Southwest Atlantic: Argentina (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dark-belly skate is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Dark-belly skate is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dark-belly skate has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | dark-belly skate · Darkbelly Skate |
| 🌍CES | rejnok polední |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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