Species: Leucoraja lentiginosa, Freckled Skate

Leucoraja lentiginosa (Bigelow & Schroeder, 1951)

Freckled Skate

Heartshaped disc with front margin slightly concave; snout rigid, slightly projecting, front edge slightly convex; front pectoral rays extending onto ¾ of snout; eyes on top of head, with spiracles immediately behind; nostrils a little in front of mouth, with front lobes from nostrils forming a curtain between them and mouth; 2 small dorsal fins near rear of tail, with tail fin as a fold behind the second dorsal; pelvic fin with 2 distinct lobes joined by membrane, front lobe distinctly shorter than rear lobe; denticles in broad band along front margin of disc; thorns along sides of rostrum, in crescent-shaped arcs along inner margin of eye and spiracle, in triangular patches on nape and shoulders; 2-5 rows of thorns along center of disc, >15 in central row; tail with center row of thorns plus 1-3 side rows.

Upper surface yellowish to pale brown, with numerous scattered small dark and light spots; lower surface yellowish, mucous pores unpigmented.

Reaches 44 cm TL.

Lives on soft bottoms.

Depth range: 53-852 m.

Florida to Costa Rica.