But what is a big skate?! They are a species of skate which are flat-bodied fish found along the Pacific coast of North America. They somewhat resemble swimming flat diamonds as their fins extend the length of their bodies!These skates BIG (can grow up to 6ft long) and have distinctive egg cases, as seen in this video!

Mermaid’s purses, also known as chondrichthyan egg cases, are capsules produced by various rays, skates, and certain sharks. These leathery structures protect 1-7 developing embryos, depending on the species. The horns (tendrils) help anchor the cases down in the ocean floor.

The name “mermaid’s purse” is comes from their unique appearance, resembling a small, leathery handbag or pouch. Mermaid’s purses are formed by the female using collagen and other materials. Once the embryos develop, they hatch through an opening in the case.

#Mermaid #MermaidsPurse #Tofino #Beachcombing #Oceanlife #Marinebiology