Kite shaped with long tail. Light orange/brown marbled pattern on back, with pale spots covering body. Central part of body covered in horns and spikes, which grow to the edges of the rays as they get older. Mature females may also have thorns on the underside, which is white/pale. Other species of ray may also have thorns (making identification confusing) but thornback ray have the most of any species.
Distribution
Found around the UK and Ireland on clear sandy, muddy and shingle seabeds and in clear sections of ground in the middle of rocky areas. Found throughout much of the UK but can be scarce along much of the east coast of Scotland and England.
Feeds On
Crustaceans and crabs mainly, but will also eat small fish, especially flatfish.
- Scientific name: Raja clavata
- Also know as: Roker, Skate, Thornback Skate
- Size: Up to 4ft (from wingtip to wingtip) and 35lbs (UK shore caught typically 2-12lbs)
- UK minimum size: 16inches (41cm) from wingtip to wingtip
- UK shore caught record: 21lb 8oz
- IUCN Status: NT (Near Threatened)
