Skate fish are fascinating creatures of the ocean floor, often prompting questions about their potential danger to humans. These cartilaginous fish, related to sharks and rays, possess flat bodies uniquely adapted for their bottom-dwelling existence. Understanding their physical attributes and typical behaviors helps clarify whether they pose a threat.
Understanding Skate Characteristics
Skates, like sharks, are cartilaginous fish with skeletons made of cartilage. Their broad, wing-like pectoral fins enable them to glide gracefully across the ocean floor. These fish inhabit a wide range of marine environments, from shallow estuaries to deep ocean depths exceeding 9,000 feet.
A key characteristic distinguishing skates is the absence of a venomous barb on their tails, unlike many ray species. Instead, skates have thorn-like projections or sharp spikes along their backs and tails. These dermal denticles offer protection against predators; they are not venomous and do not deliver a sting. Skates also possess small, pointed teeth, which they use to grip and consume a diet primarily consisting of small fish, crustaceans, worms, and mollusks found on the seabed. Their mouths are positioned on the underside of their bodies.
Skates are docile and not aggressive towards humans, reacting defensively only if threatened or provoked. While some species have electric organs in their tails, the electrical discharge produced is weak and not considered harmful to humans.
Skates Versus Rays: A Critical Distinction
The common confusion between skates and rays often arises from their shared classification and similar flattened appearances. Despite these similarities, several important distinctions exist, particularly concerning their tails and reproductive strategies.
Skates have thick, fleshy tails without a venomous barb or stinging spine. In contrast, many ray species, such as stingrays, possess long, whip-like tails equipped with one or more venomous barbs used for defense.
Another significant difference lies in their reproduction. Skates are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs enclosed in protective, leathery cases often referred to as “mermaid’s purses.” These egg cases are deposited on the ocean floor, where the embryos develop independently. Rays, conversely, are viviparous, giving birth to live young. Additionally, skates often have small but distinct dorsal fins near the end of their tails, while rays often have reduced or absent dorsal fins.
Encountering Skates Safely
Skates are not considered dangerous to humans under normal circumstances. When encountering a skate, whether while swimming, diving, or exploring a shoreline, it is best to observe them from a respectful distance.
If a skate is accidentally caught, such as during fishing, proper handling techniques can ensure the safety of both the fish and the human. It is important to avoid touching their eyes or the spiracles (breathing holes) located behind their eyes, as this can injure the fish. For smaller skates, they can be handled by their disc edges or the flaps near their nose.
When removing hooks, using pliers is recommended for safety. For larger skates that may be brought onto a boat, ensure their entire body is supported on a flat surface to prevent injury to the fish. Releasing the skate quickly and gently back into the water is also advisable.