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Rajidae - skates

skateThere are over 200 species in this family. They are found in all the world's oceans. They have flat bodies, large wing-shaped pectoral fins, and tails. Most species have two dorsal fins and some species have small caudal fins, but they lack the tail spine that is found on most stingrays. They move through the water by undulating their pectoral fins. Most species live on the ocean floor. Skates are oviparous and lay their eggs in hard egg cases. Their egg cases are sometimes called mermaid's purses. They eat small fish and crustaceans.



Endangered in NH Endangered in NH

Threatened in NH Threatened in NH

introduced Introduced

Endangered in the US Endangered in US

Threatened in the US Threatened in US

 


  New Hampshire Species    North/Central American Species
Barndoor Skate
Little Skate
Smooth Skate
Thorny Skate
Winter Skate
 

Atlantic Leg Skate
Big Skate
California Ray
Carolina Pygmy Skate
Cuban Leg Skate
Cuban Pygmy Skate
Clearnose Skate
Deepsea Skate
Fanfin Skate
Freckled Skate
Jensen's Skate
Longnose Skate
Ocellate Skate
Plain Pygmy Skate
Pluto Skate
Prickly Brown Ray
Rosette Skate
Roundel Skate
Roughtail Skate
Sandpaper Skate
Skillet Skate
Speckled Skate
Spinetail Ray
Spreadfin Skate
Starry Skate
Virginia Skate