| The White Skate is one of the largest and rarest members of the Ray family. They live in deep water off the Irish coast, where they grow to lengths of over 2 metres, and 70kg weight. They are voracious predators and are even known to feed on adult Dogfish ( Ireland ’s commonest, smallest Shark). |
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Like the Common Skate, with which it is often confused, the White Skate is an endangered species, and is not allowed to be hunted or killed in British or Irish waters. At Atlantaquaria, we are home to the world’s only captive White Skate. “Valentine”, a female White Skate, was born at Atlantaquaria on February 14 th 2004 . She was 30 cm (1 foot) long when she was born, and has nearly doubled in size in her first two years of life. Our plan is to rear her in captivity until she is a young adult, and then release her back to the wild, where she will hopefully be able to find a mate as she matures. |
| Fishy Facts | |||
| Name: | White Skate | Size: | 2 metres |
| Other Name(s) : | N/A | Weight: | 70 kg |
| Irish Name : | Scalaphort | Lifespan: | 50 years + |
| Scientific Name : | Raja alba | Habitat: | Sandy sea-bed at depths of up to 400m |
| Edible: | Yes, but a protected species so not allowed to be caught |
Where in Ireland is it found?: | West coast, especially Kerry and Clare |
| Food: Fish and invertebrates |
Interesting Fact : “Valentine” wouldn’t start feeding when she was born, so the staff at Atlantaquaria had to tube feed her daily for two months to prevent her starving to death. She is feeding on her own now and is doing well. |
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