Appearance
- Brown or gray in color on back and white underneath
- Dark brown bars, streaks, and some spots dorsally, but circular spots with lighter margins are not present
- Disc (body shape) angular, front edges nearly straight or slightly concave
- Snout is pointed and translucent on both sides (hence the name 'clearnose')
- Single row of spines located on disc starting behind spiracles near eyes, continuing to tail
- Dorsal fins similar in size and located near end of tail
- Sharp spine absent at base of tail
Similar Species
Roundel skate, R. texana (2 ocellated spots present on dorsal surface of disc); stingrays have a similar body shape, but possess a long whip-like tail equipped with a venomous spine
Size
Up to 33 inches total length; maximum wingspan (disc width) approximately 20 inches
Habitat
Bottom dwelling species commonly found in shallow, coastal waters over soft, sandy bottoms; sometimes enters lower reaches (high salinity) of estuaries and bays. Also found offshore in depths up to 1,000 feet of water.
Behavior
Non-aggressive species of no danger to humans. Skates do not possess a venomous spine; although they have multiple thorn-like spines along their tail that could cause injury if handled.
Benthic feeder targeting crustaceans, mollusks, marine worms, squid, and small fish.
Reproduction
Breed while inshore. Oviparous; females deposit leathery dark-brown translucent egg cases, as many as 66, in a single reproductive season. Empty egg cases are often found washed up on coastal beaches; commonly called “mermaid’s purses.”