Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Bathyraja brachyurops, commonly known as the brown stingray or short-tailed skate, is a species of skate belonging to the family Arhynchobatidae. It is characterized by its relatively short tail compared to other skates and its generally uniform brown coloration. This species is a demersal fish, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes in cold temperate waters. Like other skates, it is cartilaginous, possesses a flattened body, and moves by undulating its pectoral fins. Its diet primarily consists of benthic invertebrates and small fish.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- flat
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface uniformly brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with faint darker spots or blotches. Ventral surface is typically white or cream-colored, often with darker margins on the pectoral fins and tail.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Relatively short, stout tail, shorter than the disc length., Disc is rhomboidal, wider than long, with broadly rounded outer corners., Snout is short and blunt., Two small dorsal fins located close together on the posterior part of the tail., Absence of a caudal fin (tail fin)., Thorns present on the dorsal surface, typically along the midline of the disc and tail, and sometimes around the eyes and on the shoulders. The number and arrangement of thorns can vary with age and sex.
- Dorsal fin
- Two small, similar-sized dorsal fins located close together on the posterior third of the tail. No interdorsal thorn.
- Tail fin
- Short and stout, lacking a true caudal fin. Possesses lateral folds.
- Pectoral fin
- Large, wing-like, forming the main body disc.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are bilobed, with the anterior lobe distinctly separated from the posterior lobe.
Identification Tips
Tail length
The tail is notably shorter than the disc length, a key distinguishing feature from many other skate species.
Dorsal coloration
Uniform brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with subtle darker markings, but generally lacking prominent patterns.
Thorn pattern
Presence of thorns along the midline of the disc and tail, and often around the eyes and on the shoulders. The specific arrangement and density can aid in identification.
Snout shape
Relatively short and blunt, not elongated or pointed.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 50 to 800 meters (164 to 2,625 feet), with a preference for deeper waters on the continental shelf and upper slope.
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting soft bottoms (mud, sand) of continental shelves and slopes. Prefers cold temperate waters.
- Geographic range
- Southeastern Pacific Ocean and Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends from off Peru and Chile in the Pacific, around Tierra del Fuego, and northwards along the Patagonian shelf off Argentina and Uruguay in the Atlantic.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs.
- Temperature: 4-10°C (39-50°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Not compatible with typical aquarium setups. Requires specialized public aquarium facilities.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, cold-water, deep-sea-simulating tanks with specialized filtration and feeding protocols. Not suitable for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No distinct seasonal migration patterns are well-documented; generally present year-round within its range.
- Market price: Low to moderate, often as bycatch
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Firm, flaky
- Cooking methods: Fried, Baked, Grilled, Steamed
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, low in fat.
Key Facts
Deep-sea Dwellerbehavior
The Brown stingray is primarily found in deep, cold waters of the continental shelf and slope, often at depths exceeding 500 meters.
Short-tailedinteresting
Its species name 'brachyurops' refers to its characteristic short tail, which is a key identifier among skates.
Egg-layingbehavior
Like all skates, Bathyraja brachyurops is oviparous, laying encapsulated eggs known as 'mermaid's purses' on the seabed.
Benthic Predatorbehavior
It is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, as well as small demersal fish.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, skates can inflict painful wounds with their dermal denticles (thorns) if handled carelessly. Always use thick gloves and exercise caution when handling to avoid scrapes and punctures. They are generally docile but can thrash when caught.
Similar Species
Patagonian Skate
Bathyraja macloviana
Bathyraja macloviana generally has a longer, more slender tail and a more pointed snout. Its thorn pattern may also differ, often with more prominent thorns on the disc.
Chilean Skate
Bathyraja papilionifera
Bathyraja papilionifera typically has a more elongated snout and a different arrangement of thorns, often with a distinct row of thorns along the midline of the disc and tail.
Rough Skate
Bathyraja multispinis
Bathyraja multispinis is characterized by a much rougher dorsal surface due to a higher density of small, sharp thorns covering the disc and tail, and a more pointed snout.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Rajiformes
- Family
- Arhynchobatidae
- Genus
- Bathyraja
- Species
- brachyurops
Explore Brown stingray
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.