Skate

Skate

There are approximately 100 species of skate. They are characterized by their diamond shape, created by pointed snout and large, flattened pectoral fins. Like rays, these fins move in an undulating motion. All skates have a spined tail with small dorsal fins located at the end. They have eyes on the upper surface of their bodies and mouth and gills on the undersurface. Skates reach lengths no larger then 8 ft. and inhabit shallow, temperate and tropical waters. [BM] {FW}