How to Identify Little Skate

To identify Little Skate (Leucoraja erinacea), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically light brown to grayish-brown, often with numerous small, dark spots and sometimes larger, irregular blotches. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored, sometimes with dusky margins or blotches. The spots on the dorsal surface are often arranged in a somewhat symmetrical pattern.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Small, rounded disc, slightly wider than long., Two small dorsal fins located far back on the tail., Short, stout tail with a small caudal fin., Numerous small, sharp thorns (denticles) on the dorsal surface, particularly along the midline and around the eyes., A row of 12-18 thorns along the midline of the disc and tail in adults., Snout is short and blunt.

Dorsal fin

Two small, similarly sized dorsal fins located close together on the posterior third of the tail. The first dorsal fin is typically slightly larger than the second.

Tail fin

A small, rudimentary caudal fin present at the tip of the tail, often continuous with the second dorsal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, flattened, and wing-like, forming the main body disc. The anterior margins are slightly convex, and the posterior margins are broadly rounded.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are deeply notched, forming two distinct lobes.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Disc Shape

   The disc is nearly circular or slightly wider than long, with a blunt snout. This distinguishes it from species with more angular or pointed snouts.

2. 2

   Thorns/Denticles

   Presence of numerous small, sharp thorns on the dorsal surface, especially a prominent row of 12-18 thorns along the midline of the disc and tail. This is a key distinguishing feature from smooth-bodied skates.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Two small, closely spaced dorsal fins located far back on the tail, with the first being slightly larger than the second. The caudal fin is very small and often continuous with the second dorsal.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Light brown to grayish-brown dorsal surface with numerous small, dark spots. The ventral surface is white. The spot pattern can be a good indicator.

5. 5

   Pelvic Fins

   Deeply notched pelvic fins, forming two distinct lobes, which is characteristic of the genus Leucoraja.

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