Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Iceland, Norway, North Sea and the western Baltic southward to Morocco and Namibia, including the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Although reported from southern Africa, its status in the area is uncertain.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Upper surfaces wholly prickly, underside wholly prickly in large females, only snout and margins of disc in young and large males; orbital thorns separate, 30-50 in median row from nape to first dorsal fin; additional large 'buckler' thorns with swollen bases scattered on upper surface of disc in adults (Ref. 3167). Subrhomboid disc, disc-width 1,25 to 1,36 times in its length, its length 1,70 to 1,83 times in total length; short rostrum, rounded at his extremity; pectoral fins with clear angles on lateral side; triangular pelvic fins. Upper surface very variable, all shades of brown, variegated with dark and light spots and blotches, underside white.

Biology:

Inhabits shelf and upper slope waters from the coastal line to about 300 m. Found on sand and sand-rock bottoms. Feeds on all kinds of bottom animals, preferably crustaceans.

Max. size: 101.0 cm - 120.0 cm (female)

Max.weight: 18 Kg

Environment: demersal; depth range 20 - 300 m

Climate: subtropical; 70°N - 28°S

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]