Common name

Smallthorn Sandskate.

Binomial

Psammobatis rudis.

Synonyms

None.

Identification

A medium-sized softnose skate with a heart-shaped disc that is slightly wider than long; disc width 1.1~1.2 times disc length. Orbit length 0.3-0.41 x snout length. Mouth narrow. Nasal flaps long and broad. Snout short and obtusely angular to broadly rounded. Snout often has a thin filamentous lobe on tip when intact. Pectoral fin anterior margins weakly undulate; more-so in adult males. Pectoral apices rounded. Pelvic fins large and notched, with broadly rounded outer margins.
A continuous curved line of orbital thorns in adults. Short row of thorns on midline at nape, then continuous from pelvic fin origin to first dorsal on tail. 1-2 lateral thorn rows from mid torso to tail base; outer row discontinuous. Thorn patches present near pectoral fin anterior margins. Single lateral thorn row along entire tail length. Tail narrow, tapering slightly, and fairly long. Two small, barely separated dorsal fins near tip of tail. Caudal fin very small and low.

Colour

Dorsal coloration varies, but often heavily patterned with pale grey or light greenish brown base colour with numerous small black and white spots and blotches. Relatively small, dark ocelli may be present on pectoral fin centres. Somewhat larger white ocelli often present as well. A cluster of small white spots form a rosette behind spiracles. Small dark spots and two bold white bands often on tail. Ventrum mostly pale with dusky margin posteriorly.

Size

Maximum length ~53cm. Egg case length approximately 5cm.