African softnose skate (Bathyraja smithii) fish species and information / pictures of African softnose skate - Bathyraja smithii

African softnose skate (Bathyraja smithii) fish species information

Scientific Name
Bathyraja smithii

Common Name
African softnose skate

Biology
A large softnose skate with a broadly triangular, bluntly pointed snout and an angular pectoral disc; tail shorter than body and with a single row of large thorns; upper disc of young with thorns but these are lost with growth (Ref. 5578). Dorsal surface greyish and may have white spots, ventral surface white with dark grey blotches around gill slits, vent and along ventral surface of tail (Ref. 5578). Tail with no color bands (Ref. 5578).

Classification

Classified By

M?ller & Henle, 1841

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Skates and Rays (Rajiformes)

Family

Skates (Rajidae)

Distribution

Region

Southeast Atlantic

Distribution

Southeast Atlantic: off central Namibia to Agulhas Bank, South Africa.

Range

- 40°S

Environment

Climate

Deep-water

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

440 m

Depth To - meters

1020 m

Zone

bathydemersal

Environment

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 440 - 1020 m (Ref. 5578)

Trophic Level

4.33 s.e. 0.67 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

120 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (67 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)