Big Skate (Raja binoculata)
Big skates have two large, black spots on their fins, which resemble large eyes. Scientists think these “eyes” might confuse predators or make a small skate look larger and less vulnerable to a hungry shark.
Big skates hide in the sand and mud along the seafloor, with only their eyes protruding. Their gray, mottled bodies blend into the background of the seafloor; this camouflage protects them from predators like sharks.
- Habitat: Sandy Seafloor
- Diet: shrimp, worms, clams, some fishes
- Size: to 8 feet long (2.4 m)
- Range: seafloor, 10-360 feet (3-110 m)
(via: Monterey Bay Aquarium)
