species marine fish family family order native northwestern atlantic_ocean found southern south north_carolina fish largest found reaching lengths meters feeding invertebrates fish found near sea floor peaking 1950s population dramatically declined 1960s early 1970s result listed endangered populations increased substantially cases intentionally harvested commercial fishing industry usually considered catch nets target species fish description flat bodied fish large disk like body sharply angled corners pointed snout pectoral fins evolved broad flat wing like propel fish water fins concave edge rounded posterior corners like sharks skeleton tough elastic substance composed elastic fibers cells firm like substance called matrix slot like body openings called gill slits underside body beneath pectoral fins lead gills dorsal fins close far removed tail eyes dorsal surface located approximately centimeters apart fish upper surface brown reddish brown scattered darker spots lighter streaks center pectoral fin marked oval spot lower surface light white grey irregularly gray spots unique species having straight line begins snout ends anterior margin outer corner disk stopping short disk largest found reach lengths meters weigh kilograms unconfirmed reports individuals reaching lengths meters centimeter weighs average kilograms tail moderately short large like structures called dermal denticles normally found lack denticles distinguishes species found western atlantic larger individuals rows smaller denticles tail mature females possess denticles head shoulders dorsal disk tail denticles completely absent small individuals habitat occurs range extending banks newfoundland southern northeastern coast offshore banks nova scotia north_carolina reports 19th century range fish extended far south northeastern florida recent research suggests florida discoveries actually found types ocean bottoms including soft muddy sandy rocky bottoms found shoreline depths meters commonly found depths meters inhabits waters broad range temperatures freezing appears closer shore autumn sea warmer months water low parts thousand prefers parts thousand believed exhibit north south migratory patterns diet fish prey consisting mainly benthic invertebrates fishes food items include rock crabs cancer crabs spider crabs fishes including atlantic herring sand lance juveniles primarily benthic invertebrates shrimp individuals found denticles snout worn smooth indicating snout dig mud sand obtain importance humans commercial value species frequently targeted winter commonly considered catch commercial operating northwestern atlantic target commercially valuable species fish harvested flesh bait fish meal pet food meat wings sold human consumption landings increased substantially partly response increased demand bait significantly increased export market wings currently commercial retention sale prohibited united_states conservation dropped 1960s early 1970s coinciding period intense fishing foreign factory abundance remained low increased nearly approaching levels observed 1960s published controversial study claiming nearly extinct presented data recovery started early 1990s clearly evident conservation groups based cambridge massachusetts based washington petitioned listed endangered species act month study announced listing species endangered threatened cited increases abundance observed surveys rapid time endangered species ruling retrieved april listed vulnerable categories criteria species endangered iucn red list year estimates current population levels variety aquatic species special interest releases annual report showing progress reduce harvesting species species determined subject regional fishery management councils required develop plan correct problem published press release stating result conservation efforts monitored stocks grown level longer considers taxonomy naming fish originally described scientific later changed currently valid american genus derived greek words meaning meaning wing original genus coined recognized valid subgenus
Barndoor skate