Skates are flat cartilaginous fish that are similar to rays and also
related to sharks.Skates are some of the most unusual animals
in the oceans. They have wing-like pectoral fins that are kite
shaped and are flapped like a bird to propel them in the waters.
The presence of one or two dorsal fins on the tail distinguish
them from rays. Skates do not have stinging spines like some rays,
and are harmless to humans.  They rely on large thorns on their
backs and tails to protect them from predators.

Skates begin their lives in small egg cases outside the mother’s body. 
These leathery little pouches are known as “mermaid purses”.  They
are black and rectangular with unusual hooks on each corner.  These
hooks allow the pouch to attach to seaweed and remain there until

the skate is fully developed.  Without this special design the eggs
would be subject to ocean currents and tides and would not be able
to develop in their proper location.  You really can find washed up
mermaid purses lying on the beach!

There are many different species of skates in oceans all over the
world. While most are not listed as endangered, there is a strain on
the skate population because they get caught in the nets of fisheries
targeting other fish. The Common Skate, the largest skate species

however, was listed as “Critically Endangered” in 2006.

For more information visit the Florida Museum of Natural

History website at:

 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/nsrc/featproj01.htm

or  
 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/education/questions/rayquestions1.html