Family Rajidae - skates
Skates are common in bays, on the continental shelf and some species live at
depths greater than 7,000 feet. Body form is flattened and coloration typically
matches the substrate. Most species lie half buried in the bottom sediment
during the day and move about at night to feed. To reproduce these fish lay a
unique egg case which is referred to as a mermaids purse.
Big skate- Raja binoculata
Remarks: The big skate
can be found in the bay during the warmer months but not in abundance. While in
the bay it will remain in the deeper channels and may feed on the flats during
flood tides. It is ometimes taken by anglers from piers. These fish feed along
the bottom picking up invertebrates and fishes. The pectorals of the big skate
like the bat ray are edible.
Identification: A large fish
reaching over 2m across and 91kg in mature specimens. Body is flattened,
brownish above and white underneath. There are two eyespots, one on each
pectoral fin surface, which help to identify this
fish.
Range: Found from the Bearing Sea to Point
Conception, staying in the shallows to about 110m.