ExploreFish

big skate

Raja binoculata

The big skate is a flat fish that glides gracefully along the ocean floor. It has a unique shape and can be found in cool waters, making it a special part of the underwater world.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The big skate has a wide, diamond-shaped body with a long, thorny tail. Its coloration varies from light brown to dark gray, often with small, pale spots and blotches that help it blend with the seafloor. It's noticeably larger than most other skates, with two large eyes on top of its head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderRajiformesFamilyRajidaeGenusBeringraja
big skate
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegliding trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
big skate

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby skates hatch from amazing, protective egg cases!

Big skates are the largest skate species in North America!

Their eyes are on top of their head, but their mouth is underneath!

They are part of the same family as sharks and rays!

Special abilities

Ability

Sand Camouflage

Big skate can quickly bury itself under sand because of its flat body shape that helps them ambush prey or hide from danger.

Ability

Electrosense Hunter

Big skate has special pores on its snout that helps them detect the tiny electrical signals given off by hidden prey like crabs.

Ability

Mermaid's Purse Eggs

Big skate lays its eggs in tough, leathery cases called 'mermaid's purses' that helps them protect their developing young.

Measurements & details

Length
80-240 cm
Weight
10-90 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Swim Speed
5 km/h
Maximum Depth
800 m
Water Type
Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

The big skate is a bottom-dwelling hunter that loves to eat small fish and crunchy crustaceans!

Age differences: Young skates eat mostly small crustaceans and worms, while adults shift to larger fish and crabs.

Primary Foods

  • Dungeness crab
  • sand shrimp
  • Pacific herring
  • flatfish
  • octopus
  • clams

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Pacific Skate

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

If you see a skate at the beach, admire it from a distance and don't touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is big skate?

80-240 cm

How much does big skate weigh?

10-90 kg

How long does big skate live?

15-20 years

What does big skate eat?

The big skate is a bottom-dwelling hunter that loves to eat small fish and crunchy crustaceans!

How fast can big skate swim?

5 km/h

Where is big skate usually found?

Coastal areas

How does big skate hunt?

Ambush

How deep can big skate go?

800 m

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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