Skates, members of the Rajidae family, are a diverse group of cartilaginous fish found in oceans around the world. Often mistaken for their close relatives, the rays, skates possess unique characteristics that set them apart and make them a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists.
One of the most distinctive features of skates is their flattened bodies, which are perfectly adapted for life on the ocean floor. With their wing-like pectoral fins and slender tails, skates gracefully glide through the water, using their sensitive electroreceptors to detect prey buried in the sand.
Skates exhibit a remarkable diversity of behaviors and reproductive strategies. Some species are solitary hunters, while others form aggregations during mating season. Female skates lay leathery egg cases, known as mermaid’s purses, which provide protection for developing embryos until they are ready to hatch.
