Rajella challengeri Last & Stehmann, 2008
Challenger skate
photo by Graham, K.

Family:  Rajidae (Skates)
Max. size:  56.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 860 - 1500 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean and Southwest Pacific: New South Wales to Great Australian Bight (Australia) (Ref. 114953).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  A benthic species on continental slope (Ref. 114953). Observed to be still a juvenile at 49.5 cm TL, smallest at 16.7 cm TL, adult males 52.1-56.1 cm TL (Ref. 75644).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.