Rajidae - skates |
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There 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.
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