Longnose Skate (Raja rihina)

Observation by Mary Jane Lastufka:

An unusual skeleton of a fish was found on the tide line in Kasitsna Bay. I have been observing this bay by foot and kayak for decades and never seen one like this. I also found a shark-like jaw about a foot away from the skeleton, which is likely from the same fish. The fish has a very long and spiky tail. We do not recognize the type of fish, and we would like to identify the species. Also, we are wondering whether it is unique to the region.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Moss Landing Marine Labs Consult: The fish was identified by Dr. David Ebert, Ecology, Marine Biology, Systematics (Taxonomy) identified the species as a longnose skate (Raja rihina), which are common to Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. Source: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories