The name 'Skate' is used in Britain to describe almost any member of the Ray Family or Rajidae. They have flat pectoral fins continuous with their head, two dorsal fins and a short, spineless tail.

The Common Skate, R batis, is the largest found in British waters which has a long, pointed snout. The commonest Ray in British seas is the thornback, R. clavata. they are frequently caught by trawling.