Science & Nature • Fish

Skate (fish)

Skates are cartilaginous fish in the order Rajiformes, usually placed in the family Rajidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Skates are cartilaginous fish in the order Rajiformes, usually placed in the family Rajidae. They are flat-bodied, bottom-dwelling relatives of rays and sharks, and more than 150 species have been described. Different sources sometimes use “skate” more broadly for several related skate families within Rajiformes.

Classification

Skates are commonly treated as the family Rajidae within the order Rajiformes. Some sources use “skate” more broadly to refer to all members of Rajiformes, including several related families.

Description and biology

Skates have flat bodies and enlarged pectoral fins that give them a wing-like shape. They are cartilaginous fish, placing them among the elasmobranchs alongside sharks and rays.

Habitat and behaviour

Most skates live on or near the seabed in marine waters, where they move along the bottom. They are commonly associated with cold or temperate coastal and offshore habitats.

Diet and reproduction

Skates generally feed on bottom-dwelling animals such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and small fish. Unlike stingrays, skates lay eggs in leathery egg cases rather than giving live birth.

Key facts

Skates are cartilaginous fish in the order Rajiformes, family Rajidae.
They are flat-bodied, bottom-dwelling relatives of rays and sharks.
More than 150 species have been described.
Skates lay eggs in leathery cases and lack a venomous tail spine, unlike stingrays.
The term 'skate' may be used broadly for several families within Rajiformes.

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Canadian context

Skates occur in Canadian Atlantic waters, including areas of the Gulf of Maine region that connect with Canadian fisheries and marine ecosystems. They are also part of the broader North Atlantic marine fauna relevant to Canadian seafood and conservation discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a skate fish?

A skate is a flat-bodied cartilaginous fish in the order Rajiformes, usually placed in the family Rajidae.

Are skates related to sharks?

Yes. Skates are cartilaginous fishes and are closely related to sharks, rays, and sawfish.

How are skates different from stingrays?

Skates typically lay eggs and do not have a venomous tail spine, while stingrays are generally live-bearing and many have a stinging tail spine.

Where do skates live?

Skates are mostly marine and bottom-dwelling, living on or near the seabed in coastal and offshore waters.

What do skates eat?

They mainly eat molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and small fish near the ocean floor.

How many skate species are there?

More than 150 species have been described, though the exact total depends on how the group is defined.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skate_(fish)
Supports: Skates as Rajidae in Rajiformes; more than 150 species; broader use of the name for related skate families.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/skate-fish
Supports: Definition of skate as a flat-bodied cartilaginous fish in Rajiformes.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game — https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=514
Supports: Skates as elasmobranchs; distinction from rays by egg-laying and lack of venomous stinger; long-lived and egg cases.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality — https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/public-information-and-education/species-profiles/skates
Supports: Physical description, habitat, diet, and distinction from stingrays.
Maine Sea Grant — https://seagrant.umaine.edu/maine-seafood-guide/skate/
Supports: North Atlantic species examples, commercial importance, and use in seafood/fisheries.