Alaska skate

The Alaska skate, <em>Arctoraja parmifera</em>, is a member of the family Arhynchobatidae — the softnose skates — and inhabits cold saltwater environments in the North Pacific. This species is known to range across considerable depths, from approximately 20 metres down to 1,450 metres, making it one of the more depth-tolerant skates in its family. Adults can reach up to 135 cm in total length and may weigh as much as 18.2 kg, placing it among the larger representatives of its genus. Like other skates, <em>Arctoraja parmifera</em> is a benthic predator that typically rests on or near the seafloor, feeding on invertebrates and small fishes. Details of habitat and range for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature. The Alaska skate is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though bycatch in commercial fisheries targeting groundfish species remains a concern for population monitoring across its range.