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WATCH: Endangered skate species spotted at the Lido

WATCH: Endangered skate species spotted at the Lido

Monday 17 April 2023

WATCH: Endangered skate species spotted at the Lido

Monday 17 April 2023


The Lido at Havre des Pas had a rare visitor on Friday, when a member of the endangered undulate skate species swam into the popular bathing spot.

The flatfish has dark and wavy patterns on its back, which helps it to camouflage itself against the seabed.

According to the UK Wildlife Trust, what is commonly known as "the undulate ray" is actually a species of skate (sometimes known as the undulate skate).

Skates are closely related to rays and look similar, but have a short tail with small fins and no stinging capabilities, whereas rays have a long whip-like tail. 

The undulate ray is therefore not dangerous, and swimmers were not at any risk of stings from the visitor.

Video: The skate was captured on camera by Michele Prosser.

The undulate ray is listed as 'Endangered' by the IUCN Red List and is a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

Jersey fishermen used to make up to £1m a year from catching the sought-after flatfish, until the European Union's ban was extended to Jersey waters in 2010.

The ban was introduced to safeguard the future of the under-threat fish, which used to be much more common around Jersey.

Undulate skates can grow up to 90cm in length and up to 10kg, and can live for more than 20 years.

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