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.[1]
This species reaches a length of 113cm (44inches).
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.
Dorsal spines: 7; Dorsal soft rays: 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8.
Found in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, specifically off the coast of Lima, Peru.
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 1714m (5,623feet). They inhabit deep-water environments.
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.[2]
Feeds on small invertebrates and other marine organisms.
Information on their reproductive behavior is limited, but they are known to produce eggs.
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated.
CITES: Not listed.