Skate: Any species in the order Rajiformes. Although the English names for some skates refer to them as rays, the term ‘ray’ should refer to stingrays (Myliobatiformes) and electric rays (Torpediniformes)

Related information

Advisory Committee on Fishery Management (ACFM reports)
Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes: www.ices.dk
Movements of thornback rays in the Thames estuary
Common skate Dipturus batis
White skate Rostroraja alba
Cuckoo skate Leucoraja naevus
Spotted skate Raja montagu
Starry skate Amblyraja radiata
Thornback skate Raja clavata
Blonde skate Raja brachyura
Smalleyed skate Raja microocellata
Undulate skate Raja undulata
Shagreen skate Leucoraja fullonica
Sandy skate Leucoraja circularis

Thornback Skate

Thornback Skate - Raja clavata

Thornback skate Raja clavata has variable colouration with shades of brown/grey, variegated with dark and light spots and blotches, giving a marbled appearance. The series of dark and light bands along the tail is a key characteristic.