Skate fish and stingrays are both cartilaginous fish, meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bone. Because of their flat bodies and similar habitats, people often mix them up.
So, what sets them apart? While both belong to the class Chondrichthyes, they actually fall into different orders. This article will break down the key differences between a skate fish vs stingray, from their body shape and tail structure to their defense mechanisms and preferred diets.
Key Differences: Tail Structure
One of the easiest ways to tell a skate from a stingray is by looking at its tail.
Stingray Tails
Stingrays have long, whip-like tails, and most of them have a venomous stinger or stinging spines that can deliver a painful (and sometimes dangerous) dose of venom. Some stingrays, like the roughtail stingray, even have bony thorns on their disc and tail.
There are exceptions to this rule, of course. The butterfly ray and freshwater stingrays, for instance, have shorter tails.
Skate Tails
Skates have thicker, shorter tails than stingrays, and instead of a venomous stinger, they have spikes or blunt, thorny projections. Unlike stingrays, skates do not have a venomous stinger.
Key Differences: Fin Structure
One way to tell a skate from a stingray is to look closely at the fins.
Stingray Fins
Stingrays have pelvic fins with one lobe each. Also, you probably won’t be able to see a dorsal fin on a stingray.
Skate Fins
Skates have two lobes on each pelvic fin. Plus, skates usually have a small but visible dorsal fin.
The shape and configuration of the fins can be a helpful clue in identifying these fish.
Key Differences: Teeth and Feeding
The teeth of stingrays and skates tell a tale about what these fish eat and how they eat it.
Stingray Teeth
Stingrays have flat, plate-like teeth that are designed for crushing the shellfish and crustaceans that make up their diet. Their favorite foods include clams, shrimp, crabs, and worms.
Skate Teeth
Skates, on the other hand, have small, pointed teeth that help them capture their prey, which may include small fish as well as crustaceans and other invertebrates. Because of their need to capture live fish, male skates’ teeth become even pointier during mating season.
Key Differences: Reproduction
One of the biggest differences between skates and stingrays is how they reproduce.
Stingrays are viviparous, which means that the babies develop inside the mother and are born live.
Skates, on the other hand, are oviparous. They lay eggs. Skate eggs are sometimes called “mermaid’s purses.” They’re easy to identify, too. They look like rectangular, black, leathery pouches, often with horn-like protrusions at each corner.
If you happen to find one on the beach, leave it be. Baby skates take about 12 weeks to hatch, so there may be a little skate in there!
Habitat, Size, and Lifespan
Here’s how the skate and stingray stack up in terms of where they live, how big they get, and how long they tend to survive.
Habitat
You’ll find stingrays hanging out in warm, shallow waters near the coasts. Skates, on the other hand, are more flexible in their housing arrangements. They can live in waters from tropical to Arctic, and at depths of more than 9,000 feet.
Size
Stingrays can get pretty big, measuring up to 16 feet in length. Skates are a bit smaller, generally maxing out around 8 feet long.
Lifespan
Stingrays tend to live for 15 to 25 years. Skates can hang around for a good bit longer, sometimes living as long as 50 years.
Safety and aquarium life
If you happen to come across a ray in the wild, it’s good to know that stingrays can be dangerous if they feel threatened and use their venomous stinger. Skates, on the other hand, are generally harmless.
You can often find both stingrays and skates at public aquariums. For example, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to four different kinds of stingrays and two species of skates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do skate fish bite or sting?
Skates don’t typically bite. They have small teeth adapted for crushing shellfish and crustaceans, not for attacking humans. Some skate species have thorns or spines on their backs or tails for defense, but these aren’t used to actively sting like a stingray’s barb.
Is skate fish okay to eat?
Yes, skate is edible. The “wings” (pectoral fins) are the most commonly consumed part, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a texture similar to scallops. It’s often prepared pan-fried, grilled, or baked. However, it’s important to ensure it’s sourced from sustainable fisheries and properly prepared to remove any ammonia taste.
Is a skate the same as a stingray?
No, skates and stingrays are related but distinct. They both belong to the ray family but have key differences. Skates have fleshy tails with small dorsal fins, while stingrays have whip-like tails with venomous barbs. Skates also lay eggs, while stingrays give birth to live young.
Can you eat stingray or skate?
Yes, both stingray and skate are edible, although skate is more commonly consumed. Stingray meat has a stronger flavor and tougher texture than skate. Both require careful preparation to remove any ammonia smell, which is a natural byproduct of their metabolism.
In Conclusion
Skates and stingrays can look remarkably alike. But when you know what to look for, you can tell them apart pretty easily. Pay attention to the tail, the fins, the teeth, and how they reproduce, and you’ll begin to see the differences.
Of course, as with most things in nature, there are a few exceptions to these rules. If you want to know more, there are plenty of fascinating resources to explore!