IT'S remarkable how common skate has become on restaurant menus.

The largest of the skates is the common skate (Dipturus batis).

Angel sharks and common skate: Classed as critically endangered.

ICES has called for an end to the fishing of common skate and for angel sharks to be given the highest possible protection.

ARKive - images and movies of the common skate (Dipturus batis)

Dipturus batis (common skate or blue skate)

Common skate punk clothing items include: T-shirts, flannel button-down shirts, hooded sweatshirts, webbing belts, and khaki shorts, pants or jeans.

Local fishermen have been targeting large Common Skate in the area and have had prolific catches, mainly from West Loch Tarbert in autumn through the winter.

"Those at greatest risk in the north east Atlantic include heavily fished large sharks and rays, like porbeagle and common skate, as well as commercially valuable deep water sharks and spiny dogfish."

The largest of the skates is the common skate (Dipturus batis).

ARKive - images and movies of the common skate (Dipturus batis)