Fish crepuscular

Starry Skate

Caliraja stellulata

A celestial wonder of the deep Pacific, the Starry Skate is named for the stunning constellation of sharp, star-shaped prickles that adorn its back. This elusive relative of the shark haunts the rocky reefs of the West Coast, blending perfectly into the shadows of the seafloor.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Maximum length of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches); hatchlings are approximately 15-22 cm (6-9 inches)

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Colors

Dorsal side is grayish-brown to olive with numerous small dark spots and larger, star-like pale spots; underside is typically white or cream.

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Key Features

Densely covered in small, sharp prickles or 'stars'
Distinctive diamond-shaped pectoral fins
Rows of enlarged thorns along the mid-line of the back and tail
Small dark ocelli or 'eye spots' often visible on the wings

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern crepuscular

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Peak hours 4-8 PM and 5-7 AM

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Season Year-round, though more frequently documented in shallower parts of their range during cooler months.

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Diet A carnivorous bottom-feeder primarily targeting crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as small fish and occasionally octopuses.

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Habitat Deep rocky bottoms and cold-water reefs ranging from 18 to nearly 1,000 meters deep.

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Behavior

The Starry Skate is a patient, bottom-dwelling predator that spends much of its time gliding just above or resting upon rocky seafloors. Unlike their more social ray cousins, these skates are primarily solitary, using their camouflaged dorsal side to blend into the complex textures of the Pacific reef systems. They are masters of low-energy hunting, often settling into the sediment to ambush unsuspecting prey that wanders too close to their 'wings.'

While they are generally docile and pose no threat to humans, they are well-protected by a formidable array of sharp dermal denticles and thorns that give them a sandpaper-like texture. In the wild, they are known to be relatively sedentary, occupying a specific depth range where the water remains cold and nutrient-rich. Their movement is characterized by a graceful undulating motion of their pectoral fins, a method of swimming that allows them to hover precisely over uneven terrain.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Starry Skate requires a specialized approach since they reside in deep marine environments rather than terrestrial backyards. To see one, you will need a submersible 'drop camera' or a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system. Mount your camera within a weighted, corrosion-resistant frame and lower it near rocky reef edges or transition zones where rocky bottom meets sand. These are the primary corridors where skates forage for crustaceans.

Because the Starry Skate lives at depths where sunlight is filtered or absent, artificial lighting is essential. However, many marine species are startled by bright white light. Use high-powered red LEDs if possible, as many deep-sea organisms cannot perceive red light, allowing you to observe their natural behavior without scaring them away. Ensure your camera is angled slightly downward to capture the skate's intricate dorsal patterns, which are its most identifying feature.

Bait is the most effective way to draw a Starry Skate into the frame. Use a mesh bait bag filled with oily fish like mackerel, squid, or crushed crab. Secure the bait bag about 1-2 meters in front of the lens. The scent trail will travel with the current, drawing the skate in from down-current. Be patient; these fish move slowly and may take thirty minutes or more to follow a scent trail back to its source.

For camera settings, prioritize a high frame rate (60fps) even in low light to capture the fluid movement of their wings. If your camera allows for it, set a long recording trigger or use a time-lapse mode that takes a photo every 10 seconds. In the cold, high-pressure environments where Starry Skates thrive, battery life will deplete faster than normal, so use external battery packs or high-capacity lithium-ion cells rated for cold temperatures.

Similar Species

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

Big Skate

Much larger maximum size (up to 8 feet) and possesses two very large, distinct black spots with pale borders on the pectoral fins.

Longnose Skate

Features a significantly more elongated, pointed snout and lacks the dense covering of star-like prickles found on the Starry Skate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starry Skate are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn when they emerge to hunt for crabs and small fish.

The most effective method is using a baited remote underwater video (BRUV) setup. Oily baits like crushed sardines or squid in a mesh bag create a scent trail that these skates can detect from a distance.

Their diet consists mainly of benthic invertebrates, including various species of crabs and shrimp, as well as small bottom-dwelling fish and the occasional octopus.

They are only 'common' in suburban coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest if you have access to deep-water piers or boat-launched cameras, as they stay in the cold, deep waters of the continental shelf.

Starry Skates are much smaller (under 3 feet) and are covered in sharp, star-like prickles. Big Skates (Beringraja binoculata) grow much larger and have two very prominent, high-contrast 'eye spots' on their wings.

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