How to Identify Clearnose Skate

To identify Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically light brown to grayish-brown, often with irregular darker spots or blotches. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored. The most distinctive feature is the pair of translucent, unpigmented areas on either side of the snout, giving it the 'clearnose' name.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Two translucent patches on the snout (rostral cartilage visible)., Diamond-shaped disc, wider than long., Snout is moderately long and pointed., Two small dorsal fins located near the tip of the tail., A small caudal fin present., Thorns (denticles) present on the dorsal surface, especially along the midline of the disc and tail. Larger individuals may have a row of thorns along the midline of the tail.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

A small, low caudal fin present at the very tip of the tail, posterior to the dorsal fins.

Pectoral fin

Large, wing-like pectoral fins 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

   Translucent Snout Patches

   The most reliable identifying feature is the presence of two clear, unpigmented areas on either side of the snout, through which the rostral cartilage is visible.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Diamond-shaped disc, wider than long, with a light brown to grayish-brown dorsal surface often marked with darker spots or blotches. White ventral surface.

3. 3

   Thorns/Denticles

   Presence of thorns along the midline of the disc and tail, which can vary in prominence with age and sex. Males tend to have more prominent alar thorns (on the pectoral fins) during breeding season.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Bilobed pelvic fins, with a distinct notch separating the anterior and posterior lobes.

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