Language English Photo: Louis-Étienne Doré Photo: Biodôme OngletsDescriptionDistinguishing featuresThis skate has a rounded snout. Its eyes and spiracles, the tiny holes located behind each eye, are on the upper or dorsal side of its body, while its mouth and gills are on the lower or ventral side. ReproductionWinter skates spawn year-round. Fertilization occurs internally. The eggs are encased in rigid greenish capsules, measuring 5.5 to 8.6 cm long and 3.5 to 5.2 cm wide. They are deposited year-round in New England and during summer and fall in Nova Scotia. DietThese fish eat other fish, mainly sand lances, and invertebrates, including crustaceans and molluscs. PredatorsTheir enemies are grey seals, sharks and other skates, including barndoor skates. HabitatThey live in salt water, on sandy or gravel bottoms. They are mostly found at depths of less than 111 m. They frequent waters at temperatures ranging from -1.2 to 15°C. The temperature in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ranges from -1.2 to 4.8°C. Ecology, behaviourWinter skates' shape and colouring provide good camouflage from their enemies. Because their eyes are located on the top of their heads, they are able to observe what is happening above them while they are feeding or resting. French nameRaie tachetée Scientific nameLeucoraja ocellataPhylumChordataClassChondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)OrderRajiformesFamilyRajidaeSizeAverage length of female: 80.6 cm; male: 83.4 cm; maximum length: 109 cmWeightMaximum: 12 kgStatusEndangered (IUCN - 2004); likely to be designated (MRNF).