Bathyraja chapmani, commonly known as Chapman's skate, is a species of deep-sea skate in the family Arhynchobatidae. This species was described in 2022 by D.A. Ebert, J. Alfaro-Shigueto, X. Velez-Zuazo, M. Pajuelo, and J.C. Mangel.
Description Size This species reaches a length of .
Distinctive features This large species has a rhombic disc with a uniform black-to-chocolate or dark-plumbrown coloration, notably the same on both dorsal and ventral surfaces. It also has an irregular spotted pattern on both dorsal and ventral surfaces.
Fin structure Dorsal spines: 7; Dorsal soft rays: 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8.
Habitat Distribution Found in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, specifically off the coast of Lima, Peru.
Environment Marine; bathydemersal; depth range . They inhabit deep-water environments.
Etymology The genus name Bathyraja is derived from Greek, with "bathys" meaning deep and Latin "raja" meaning a ray. The species name "chapmani" is in honor of Demian Chapman, the Senior Scientist & Director, at the Center for Shark Research, at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, USA, for his contributions to shark and ray conservation and research.
Biology Diet Feeds on small invertebrates and other marine organisms.
Reproduction Information on their reproductive behavior is limited, but they are known to produce eggs.
Conservation status IUCN Status: Not Evaluated.
CITES: Not listed.
References