Also known as the roughskin skate, this species lives in the deep water of the
Atlantic, from Baffin Island south to the coasts of South Africa. It is rare,
with only 15 known specimens. It is thought to occupy the continental slopes as
well as the very flat "plains" of the ocean floor, feeding on crustaceans.
Adults are believed to reside at depths below 1500 m, while juveniles are found
in shallower waters, from about 450 m downward. Considering that the CN tower
is about 553m tall, this is not shallow!
The soft skate has a pointy snout that is broad, and rigid, except for the very
tip. Its dorsal fins are joined at their bases, and small prickles adorn its upper
body and tail. One to two larger thorns are located in front of each eye, the
same number again on each shoulder. In adults, the undersurface of the tail as
well as the margins of the hind portion of the pectoral fins are also prickly.
Its upper body is slate-grey with brownish tinges toward the rear of the body,
including the pelvic fins. The underside is also grey-brown and splotchy, particularly
along the rear margins of the pectoral fins and tail. The mouth is lined with
numerous rows of small teeth, 5463 on top and 5464 on bottom! The
biggest soft skate specimen to date measured 70 cm.