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Biological Profiles

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South Florida Aquatic Environments About the Different Groups of Fishes About the Anatomy of Fish and Sharks How Fish and Sharks Swim About Fish Adaptations About the Endangered Species Act How to Become a Biologist About Careers In Ichthyology Most Commonly Asked Shark Questions Most Commonly Asked Sawfish Questions Most Commonly Asked Ray and Skate Questions Most Commonly Asked Fish Questions Identification Key to Freshwater Fishes of Peninsular Florida Field Key to Sharks Skates of the Western Gulf of Maine Project Shark Awareness - A Public Outreach Educational Program Shark Fishing in U.S. Territorial Waters Most Commonly Asked Sawfish Questions Sawfish In Peril - PowerPoint file Sawfish Informational Brochure - Acrobat file Sawfish Outreach Boat Ramp/Marina Sign - Acrobat file Sawfish References Sawfish Links Smalltooth Sawfish species profile Largetooth Sawfish species profile Green Sawfish species profile Freshwater Sawfish species profile Dwarf Sawfish species profile Knifetooth Sawfish species profile Chondrichthyes Bibliography Search Freshwater Fishes of Florida References General Fish References Shark References Sawfish References Childrens' Shark Books Stingray Reproduction References Biological Profiles Glossary of Terms Shark Games: Test Your Knowlege! 2003 Open House Photos GULF OF MEXICO PYGMY SKATE Order - Rajiformes Family - Rajidae Genus - Fenestraja Species - sinusmexicanus Taxonomy The Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate was originally described by Bigelow & Schroeder in 1950 as Breviraja sinusmexicanus. This name was later changed to the currently valid Fenestraja sinusmexicanus (Bigelow & Schroeder 1950). The genus name, Fenestraja, is derived from the Latin "fenestra", "-ae" meaning small hole or opening in a bone and the Latin "raja", "-ae" meaning a fish, Raja sp. The species name, sinusmexicanus, refers to the geographic location where this skate is found. There are no known synonyms appearing in past scientific literature referring to this species. Common Names English language common names are Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate and gulf skate. Other common names include Mexicaanse dwergrog (Dutch) and raya pigmea (Spanish). Geographical Distribution The geographical range of this skate is limited to the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Bahamas. It has been reported from southeastern Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico as well off the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua and Venezuela and in waters surrounding Cuba. World distribution map for the Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate Habitat The Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate is a benthic (bottom-dwelling) fish that lives along the outer continental shelf and slope from 184-3,595 feet (56-1,096 m) in depth. Biology Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate illustration source: FAO · Distinctive Features The body is compressed with the head, body, and expanded pectoral fins forming a heart-shaped disc. The cartilage forming the rostrum is short. The pectoral fins are fused from the head through the trunk. The front lobes of the pelvic fins are as long or slightly shorter than the rear lobes. There are two closely spaced dorsal fins present on the tail. The tail is long and thorny and easy to distinguish from the body. Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate captured in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas © George Burgess · Coloration The dorsal surface of the Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate is brownish purple, sometimes with irregular dark blotches. In contrast, the ventral surface is yellowish-white with no distinct markings. The dorsal fins are pale in color. ·Dentition There are numerous small teeth arranged in bands along both jaws. ·Denticles The disc of this skate has three rows of thorns. These rows occur from the midline of the posterior half of the disc and tail to the origin of the first dorsal fin. ·Size, Age, and Growth The maximum size of the Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate is 14.2 inches (36 cm) total length. Male specimens reach maturity at 12.2-13.4 inches (31-34 cm) total length. · Food Habits Little is known about the diet of this skate as evidenced by the lack of information and data in scientific literature. · Reproduction The Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate is oviparous. Paired eggs are released into the benthic environment. The egg cases possess horn-like projections, allowing the cases to be held securely. The embryos feed entirely on the yolk within the egg case until they hatch and become free-swimming. · Predators Potential predators of the Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate include larger fish such as sharks as well as marine mammals. · Parasites There are no known parasites of this species due to lack of information and data in scientific literature. Importance to Humans There are no fisheries directed at this species in particular, however it may be taken as bycatch in the numerous fisheries within its geographical range. Danger to Humans This skate is considered harmless to humans. Interactions are rare as this skate is found in the deep water. Conservation The Gulf of Mexico pygmy skate is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species. Prepared by: Cathleen Bester