Roundel Skate

The disc of the roundel skate is diamond shaped. The short, rounded snout has a clear area of skin on either side. The rest of the dorsal surface is an unblotched chocolate brown colour, although sometimes there are darker patches. A pair of distinctive dark eyespots with pale pink rims lie on either side of the middle of the dorsal surface (these may confuse potential predators). A row of thorns runs along the midline of the back, but there are no venomous spines. The medium-length tail has a short dorsal fin near its tip and a small caudal fin. Males become mature at about 5 years old at a length of about 44 centimetres (17 in), while females are mature a year later at a length of about 53 centimetres (21 in).

The roundel skate is native to the southeastern coast of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Campeche Bank, a shallow area of sea off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It usually occurs on sand, crushed shell or shingle to depths of about 180 metres (590 ft).