Fish crepuscular

Blonde Skate

Raja brachyura

A master of seafloor camouflage, the Blonde Skate glides through coastal waters with effortless grace. Distinguished by its intricate spotted pattern, this fascinating relative of the shark brings a touch of prehistoric wonder to our underwater world.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 100-120 cm (39-47 in) in length; can weigh up to 14 kg (31 lbs).

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Colors

Pale fawn or light brown upper surface covered with numerous small, dark spots that extend to the very edge of the pectoral fins; creamy white underside.

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Key Features

Broad, diamond-shaped body with a slightly pointed snout
Small dark spots covering the entire upper surface to the fin edges
A row of 25-40 thorns or spines running along the back and tail
Smooth skin on the underside except for the snout area

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern crepuscular

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Peak hours Dusk and dawn, though they exhibit increased foraging activity during the night.

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Season Year-round, but most active in shallow coastal waters from February to August.

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Diet A carnivorous hunter that focuses on bottom-dwelling crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as small bony fish like sand eels and flatfish.

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Habitat Sandy, muddy, or gravelly coastal seabeds, typically at depths of 10 to 150 meters.

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Behavior

The Blonde Skate is a benthic species, meaning it spends the vast majority of its life on or near the seafloor. Unlike their more active shark relatives, these skates are masters of patience, often burying themselves in the sand or gravel with only their eyes exposed to wait for passing prey. They are generally solitary creatures, though they may congregate in specific areas during the breeding season in early summer.

As egg-laying (oviparous) fish, they produce distinctive rectangular, leathery egg cases known as 'mermaid's purses.' These are often found washed up on beaches after the young have hatched. While they are not aggressive toward humans, they are sensitive to electromagnetic fields and vibrations, which they use to navigate and locate hidden prey in the murky depths of the Eastern Atlantic.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Blonde Skate requires a specialized approach since they inhabit the 'marine backyard.' The most effective method is using a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system. This involves mounting a waterproof action camera or a specialized underwater trail camera to a weighted frame. To attract these curious predators, attach a mesh bait bag containing oily fish like mackerel or squid. The scent trail is essential for drawing them out of their camouflage and toward the lens.

Placement is critical: aim for flat, sandy patches near the edges of rocky reefs or kelp forests. Position your camera about 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) off the seabed, angled slightly downward to capture the skate's full wingspan as it glides over the bait. Because they are most active during low-light transitions, look for cameras with high-quality infrared (IR) capabilities or use a dim red light to illuminate the area without spooking the animal, as skates can be light-sensitive.

Timing your 'deployment' with the tides can drastically improve your results. Set your camera an hour before high tide, as the incoming water often brings a surge in foraging activity. If you are deploying from a pier or a shallow boat, ensure your housing is rated for at least 30 meters to handle pressure. Check your lens for 'backscatter'—particles in the water reflecting light—by ensuring your light source is positioned slightly to the side of the camera rather than directly next to the lens.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Blonde Skate.

Thornback Ray

Features much larger, star-shaped thorns and spots that do not reach the very edge of the pectoral fins.

Spotted Ray

Smaller overall size with larger spots that are often surrounded by a pale 'halo' effect.

Small-eyed Ray

Identified by its distinctive light-colored 'micro-spots' and lines that run parallel to the wing edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blonde Skate are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the dim light of dawn and dusk, as well as throughout the night when they feel safer foraging.

The best way to attract them is with a scent-based lure. Use a perforated container filled with chopped oily fish like mackerel or herring, which releases a strong trail they can follow using their keen sense of smell.

They are opportunistic predators that eat a variety of seabed creatures, including crabs, shrimp, and small fish like sand eels or flatfish.

Yes, they are relatively common in the Eastern Atlantic, from the British Isles down to the Mediterranean, especially in areas with sandy or gravelly bottoms.

Look at the spots: on a Blonde Skate, the small dark spots go all the way to the very edge of the wings. On a Thornback Ray, the spots are larger and the thorns are much more prominent and scattered across the back.

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