(Hitra - Sør-Trøndelag / 30 meters / 4.05.2004)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Elasmobranchii

Order: Rajiformes

Family: Rajidae

Scientific name: Raja radiata

 

Norwegian: kloskate

Distribution: This very common skate is distributed along the entire Norwegian coast. In the spring it migrates towards the shore to mate and spawn. It can be found on a variety of substrates including mud, sand and gravel. It is most likely to be encountered deeper than 20 meters, but can be seen on only a few meters during the night. It is also known as thorny skate.

Characteristics: Large thorns run along the midline of the back, all the way back to the dorsal fin. The coloration is usually dominated by small brown, green or beige spots. Individuals of 17 kg and 90 cm have been registered.

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