(Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium - Ålesund / 7.15.2007)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Elasmobranchii

Order: Rajiformes

Family: Rajidae

Scientific name: Raja claviata

 

Norwegian: piggskate

Distribution: The thornback ray may found as far North as Troms, but is less common in Northern areas. It is usually seen on sand, on any depths down to 300 meters.

Characteristics: It is very similar to the close relative, the starry skate. The most obvious difference is three rows of small, sharp thorns on the back and the tale. The thorns of the starry skate is larger and organized in a single row. As any other rays it has a flattened body and wide pectoral fins making the impressions of wings. The thornback ray may reach a length of 1 meter. It comes in different shades of grey and light brown. Darker blotches and numerous small spots make great camouflage on sandy sea beds.

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