Common names
Raya hocicuda de cola larga, Argentine skate

Short Description
Dipturus argentinensis is characterized by the combination of the following characters: dorsal surface of disc brown purplish with no distinct ocelli or blotches margined with dark brown on pectoral and pelvic fins. Upper surface of disc smooth except few small spinules scattered on tip of snout. Ocular thorns present, with scapular thorns absent. A single nuchal thorn either present or absent. One median row of 10 to 24 small caudal thorns. Dorsal and caudal fins scattered with very few spinules. One or two interdorsal thorns. Relatively long and thin tail, approximately half the total length. Ventral surface of disc as dark as the upper side, smooth except few small spinules scattered on tip of snout. Interbranchial space with no prickles [3934]. Disc rhombic; snout greatly elongated; Anterior margin of disc concave and posterior margin convex with rounded inner corner to level of pelvic fins. Tail very slender and relatively long with a thin lateral tail fold. Nostril flaps short, thick and tube -like. Anterior nasal flap (nasal curtain) well developed and fringed along distal margin. Posterior nasal flap poorly developed and smooth. Mouth slightly arched. Dorsal side of disc smooth except few small spinules scattered on tip of snout (one specimen with spinules also placed on both sides of eyes as well as in front of ocular region). Ventral side of disc, pelvics, claspers and tail without dermal denticles except few small spinules scattered on tip of snout. Midline of tail with 13 (10 to 24) small thorns, with oval bases and backwardly directed crowns. Coloration when fresh: Upper surface of disc plain purplish brown and margined with dark brown on pectoral and pelvic fins with no distinct ocelli or blotches. Thorns marked off pale milky-white pigment. Lateral tail folds creamy white pigment. Dorsal fins uniformly brown. [3934].

Distribution
Southwest Atlantic: Argentina, Patagonia.

Biology
According to the capture localities of the type specimens, Dipturus argentinensis appears to have a restricted range distribution occurring in the central and southern Patagonian region on the southwest Atlantic. No recorded specimens have been reported northwards 45º S. The region where the type specimens of the Argentine skate were collected is dominated by sub-Antarctic cold-temperate waters with low salinity. These waters have a predominantly NNE flow and form the Patagonian Current (Brandhorst & Castello 1971). Range temperatures and salinities of the localities where the specimens were collected were 5.9-9.38ºC, and 33.24-33.64 ups, respectively. These physical characteristics agree with the Magellanic Biogeographic Province where the specimens have been captured [3934]. Temperate; 6°C - 9°C [3934]

Size / Weight / Age
Max length : 93.5 cm TL male/unsexed; [3934]

Remarks
shark-references Species-ID=14680;