How to Identify Thornback Skate

To identify Thornback Skate (Dentiraja lemprieri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically light brown to grey, often with darker spots or blotches, providing camouflage against the seabed. Ventral surface is white or pale.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Rhomboidal disc, slightly wider than long., Snout is short and blunt., Numerous prominent thorns (denticles) on the dorsal surface, particularly along the midline from the nape to the tail, around the eyes, and on the pectoral fins., Two small dorsal fins located close to the tip of the tail., Absence of a caudal fin (tail fin).

Dorsal fin

Two small, similarly sized dorsal fins located on the posterior part of the tail, close to the tip.

Tail fin

Reduced to a fleshy fold, no true caudal fin.

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

1. 1

   Thorns

   The most distinguishing feature is the presence of numerous, prominent thorns (denticles) scattered across the dorsal surface, especially along the midline and around the eyes. This differentiates it from many other smooth-bodied skate species.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   Possesses a relatively short and blunt snout, contrasting with the more pointed snouts of some other skate species.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Two small dorsal fins are located very close to the tip of the tail, with no caudal fin present.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   The bilobed pelvic fins, with a distinct separation between the anterior and posterior lobes, are a key diagnostic feature for the genus Dentiraja.

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