Roughskin Skate
Dipturus trachyderma
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Roughskin Skate faces severe pressure from commercial bottom trawl fisheries operating across its deep-water range, where it is frequently caught as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. Its extremely slow reproductive rate, with females not reaching maturity until 13-16 years of age, makes populations highly vulnerable to even moderate fishing pressure. Climate change poses an additional threat through ocean acidification and warming temperatures affecting the deep continental shelf ecosystems where this species resides.
Habitat
The Roughskin Skate inhabits deep continental shelf and upper slope waters at depths of 200-1,000 meters, typically found on soft sediment bottoms including mud and sand substrates. This species prefers temperate waters along the continental margins of the North Pacific, particularly off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Other threatened species in Rajidae
Threatened in Argentina
Frequently asked questions
Why is Roughskin Skate classified as Endangered?
Where does Roughskin Skate live?
What are the main threats to Roughskin Skate?
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