The deepwater ray (Rajella bathyphila), also called the deepwater skate or abyssal skate,[3][4] is a species of skate in the family Rajidae.[5][6][7][8]
The deepwater ray is bathydemersal; it has been recorded at 600–2,300 m (2,000–7,500 ft), mostly below 1,300–1,400 m (4,300–4,600 ft). It has been found in seas worldwide, concentrated in the North Atlantic, living on continental slopes and abyssal plains.[9][10]
Like all rays, the deepwater ray has a flattened body with broad, wing-like pectoral fins. The dorsal surface of adults is white.[11] The outer edges of pectoral and pelvic fins shade to darker.[9] The upper surface is spinulose, but there are bare patches in the centre of the pectoral fins and on sides of body in adult males.[12]
Its maximum length is 90 cm (3.0 ft).[9]
Juveniles feed on small benthic invertebrates, while larger deepwater rays feed on larger invertebrates and fish.[13] It is parasitised by Echeneibothrium bathyphilum, a cestode tapeworm of the order Rhinebothriidea.[14]
The deepwater ray is oviparous. The eggs have horn-like projections on the shell. Paired eggs are laid, with embryos feed solely on yolk.
