Fish crepuscular

Longnose Skate

Caliraja rhina

With its strikingly pointed rostrum and graceful wing-like fins, the Longnose Skate is a master of disguise on the Pacific seafloor. This elegant relative of the shark glides over the sand like a silent shadow, embodying the mystery of the deep coastal waters.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Total length up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft); disc width up to 1 m (3.3 ft); weight typically 10-20 lbs but can be heavier.

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Colors

Dorsal surface is mottled brown, grey, or olive; features two dark eyespots (ocelli) with pale centers; underside is white to light blue-grey.

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Key Features

Distinctly elongated and sharply pointed snout
Large, diamond-shaped pectoral fin disc
Deeply notched pelvic fins resembling small legs
1-3 rows of sharp thorns along the tail midline

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern crepuscular

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Peak hours 4-7 AM, 5-8 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A carnivorous benthic feeder that primarily eats small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine invertebrates found on the seafloor.

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Habitat Soft sandy or muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and upper slope, ranging from shallow coastal bays to depths of over 3,000 feet.

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Behavior

The Longnose Skate is a patient, bottom-dwelling predator that spends much of its time partially buried in the seafloor. By using its pectoral fins to stir up sand or mud, it creates a shallow depression where it can lie in wait, with only its eyes and spiracles (breathing holes) exposed. This camouflage allows it to ambush unsuspecting prey while remaining hidden from larger sharks and sea lions.

Unlike many fish that use their tails for propulsion, the Longnose Skate moves with a graceful, undulating motion of its expansive pectoral fins, a style of swimming often described as "underwater flight." They are generally solitary creatures and are known to be more tolerant of deeper, colder waters than their cousin, the Big Skate. While they are not aggressive toward humans, they should be handled with care due to the sharp thorns along their back and tail.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Longnose Skate on camera requires a specialized underwater setup, such as a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system or a waterproof trail camera mounted inside a high-pressure housing. If you live near a pier or have access to a boat, the best placement is directly on the seafloor in areas with sandy or silty substrates. Avoid rocky reefs where the camera might get snagged or the skate's natural camouflage makes it harder to distinguish from the background.

Bait is essential for bringing these shy bottom-dwellers into the camera's field of view. A mesh bag filled with oily fish like mackerel, sardines, or squid works best. Secure the bait bag approximately 2 to 3 feet in front of the lens to ensure the skate is fully in frame when it arrives to investigate the scent. Because skates use their sensitive electroreceptors and sense of smell to find food, they will often follow a scent trail from a considerable distance.

Lighting is a critical factor at depth. While white LEDs can be used, they may occasionally spook marine life or attract unwanted swarms of small crustaceans that obscure the lens. Red light filters or low-intensity infrared illumination are often more effective for capturing natural behavior. Set your camera to record short video clips (15-30 seconds) rather than still photos, as the skate's slow, rhythmic wing-flapping is one of its most distinctive and beautiful features to document.

Seasonally, you may have better luck in shallower waters during the spring and summer months when some populations move coastward. Pay attention to the tides; the period just after high tide often sees increased foraging activity. Ensure your camera housing is weighted heavily enough to withstand bottom currents, and always use a retrieval line with a buoy if you are not using a permanent dock mount.

Similar Species

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

Big Skate

Has a much blunter snout and can grow significantly larger, often reaching over 6 feet in length.

Sandpaper Skate

Much smaller with a shorter snout and a more uniform, rough skin texture without large prominent eyespots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Longnose Skate are most active during crepuscular hours (dawn and dusk) when they move across the seafloor to hunt for crustaceans and small fish, though they can be spotted at any time of day.

The most effective way to attract a Longnose Skate is using a scent lure. A perforated container or mesh bag containing squid or oily fish like mackerel will draw them in using their highly developed sense of smell.

Their diet consists of benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms, including shrimp, crabs, worms, and small fish such as sculpins or flatfish.

While not found in typical 'backyards,' they are very common in coastal waters and can often be seen by those with waterfront property, piers, or docks along the Northeast Pacific coast.

The Longnose Skate has a much longer, more pointed snout compared to the Big Skate. Additionally, while both have eyespots, the Longnose Skate's snout is translucent when held up to light.

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