Raja stellulata Jordan & Gilbert, 1880
Starry skate
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 Family:  Rajidae (Skates)
 Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  demersal; depth range 18 - 982 m
 Distribution:  North Pacific: Bering Sea to northern Baja California, Mexico.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. A row of strong, sharp spines along the mid-dorsal line from a point behind the eyes by less than the interorbital width to the first dorsal fin and continued beyond it with a single spine between the two dorsal fins; large spines on the shoulder girdle; a row of small spines on the inner edge of the orbit; a cluster of moderate spines along the edge of the pectoral fin from its tip to the snout, large spines in males (Ref. 6885). Dorsal fins small and well back on tail; caudal fin very small; anal fin absent; pectorals broad, attached to snout and incorporated with body; pelvic fins large and deeply notched (Ref. 6885). A horizontal fleshy ridge from either side of ventral surface of tail, more prominent posteriorly (Ref. 6885). Grayish brown, numerous dark spots of various sizes scattered on body, a weakly marked eye spot frequently present at base of pectoral fins (Ref. 6885).
 Biology:  Oviparous. Distinct pairing with embrace. Young may tend to follow large objects, such as their mother (Ref. 205). Eggs are oblong capsules with stiff pointed horns at the corners deposited in sandy or muddy flats (Ref. 205). Egg capsules are 7.1-7.8 cm long and 5.5-7.0 cm wide (Ref. 41300).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Froese, Rainer - 01.05.91
 Modified by: Kesner-Reyes, Kathleen - 20.10.16
 Checked by: Luna, Susan M. - 18.04.94

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