Bathyraja smithii

(Müller & Henle, 1841)


African softnose skate
Classification: Elasmobranchii Rajiformes Arhynchobatidae

Reference of the original description
Müller, J. & Henle, F.G.J. (1841)
Systematische Beschreibung der Plagiostomen. Berlin, Veit, pp. 1–200

Image of the original description

Bathyraja smithii (Müller & Henle, 1841)

Synonyms / new combinations and misspellings
Breviraja smithii, Raia smithi, Raja smithi, Raja smithii

Types
Bathyraja smithii
Syntype: BMNH: 1953.8.10.1 MNHN: 1594;


Description :


Citation: Bathyraja smithii (Müller & Henle, 1841): In: Database of modern sharks, rays and chimaeras, www.shark-references.com, World Wide Web electronic publication, Version 02/2025

Please send your images of "Bathyraja smithii" to info@shark-references.com

Bathyraja smithii (Müller & Henle, 1841), female, ~97 cm TL, 25 Aug 2023, Bottom trawl, Northern Namibia © Ruth H. Leeney/ Namibia's Rays and Sharks
Common names
spa Raya de Smith, fra \(T\) Raie de Smith, eng African softnose skate, eng Skate

Short Description
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 [536]. 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 [536]. Tail with no color bands [536].

Distribution
Southeast Atlantic: off central Namibia to Agulhas Bank, South Africa. Source: www.gbif.org

Biology
Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk [733]. Eggs have horn-like projections on the shell [17086]. Feeds on fish, shrimps, and squids (Ref. 7458).

Size / Weight / Age
120 cm TL (male/unsexed; [536])

Habitat
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 440 - 1020 m [536]

Remarks
shark-references Species-ID=548;