What is a "skate"?

A skate is a cartilaginous fish closely related to rays and sharks, known for its flat body and diamond or oval shape. They inhabit both saltwater and freshwater environments, often dwelling on the ocean floor or in sandy and muddy areas. Skates possess large, wing-like pectoral fins that allow them to glide gracefully through the water. Unlike rays, skates lack venomous spines and typically have a more subdued coloration. They have a unique reproductive strategy known as oviparity, where females lay eggs enclosed in a protective case commonly referred to as a "mermaid's purse." Skates primarily feed on small bottom-dwelling organisms such as crustaceans and mollusks, using their specialized jaw plates to crush their prey.