Skate are resilient bottom dweller cartilaginous fish that live in most parts of the ocean around the world. These flat-bodied fish can thrive in a wide range of ocean water conditions, from tropical to near-arctic waters and from relatively shallow depths to depths beyond 8,000 ft. In terms of size, the smallest skate, also known as the hedgehog skate, will measure in at a little over 20 inches or less. The big skate, found in the eastern North Pacific and the common skate found in the western North Atlantic can grow beyond 8 ft in adulthood.

A skate’s diet consists mostly of small invertebrates living on the ocean floor, such as shrimp, mollusks, and crabs. They hunt using ambush-like techniques, as they usually are buried in the seafloor awaiting the right moment to strike. Unlike sting rays, the skate will not harm you, they have no stinging spines and are harmless to humans.

Skate has a somewhat luscious taste with a slightly nutty flavor and unique flaky-firm yet tender flesh that some would say has a crab meat-like resemblance. It is best to serve skate with a fat and acid element to elevate flavor and presentation, such as white wine, butter, or capers. In French cuisine, skate is quite popular and a classic French seafood menu favorite.