Leucoraja
Leucoraja is a genus of skates in the family Rajidae. The genus name, derived from the Greek words “leukos” (white) and “raja” (ray), refers to the light coloration of many species within the genus. Skates, like rays, are cartilaginous fish with flattened bodies and enlarged pectoral fins. Unlike rays, however, skates have a distinct, elongated snout and tend to inhabit colder, deeper waters. Leucoraja species are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, ranging from shallow coastal waters to depths of over 1,000 meters.
Common Names
Common names for Leucoraja species vary depending on location and species. Some common names include:
- Winter Skate
- Little Skate
- Thorny Skate
- Smooth Skate
Characteristics
Leucoraja skates share a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other skate genera. These include:
- Flattened, diamond-shaped body
- Large, wing-like pectoral fins
- Elongated, pointed snout
- Five gill slits on the ventral side
- Two dorsal fins on the tail
- Spiny skin, often with thorns or tubercles
- Spiracles (breathing holes) behind the eyes
The size of Leucoraja skates varies between species, but most are relatively small, with adults typically reaching lengths of 50-100 centimeters. Their coloration can also vary depending on the species and their environment, ranging from brown and grey to white and even black.
Environment
Leucoraja skates inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Continental shelves
- Deep-sea environments
They are typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can burrow themselves into the sediment to camouflage themselves from predators. Some species are also known to live in rocky reefs or kelp forests.
References
For more information about Leucoraja, visit the following websites: