Have you noticed anything new hanging in the Wave Workshop Aquarium?  What is this bizarre looking thing?  And what is inside it!? Many visitors are surprised to learn that this is actually a live Big Skate Egg. Skates - a relative of rays and sharks - are oviparous, or they lay eggs.  Here are some commonly asked questions about our new addition:

Does the viewing pane hurt the baby skates?

The viewing pane does not hurt the baby skates. Aquarium of the Bay cuts the viewing pane when the egg allows fresh water in and waste water out (generally around 3 to 5 months.)  A square is carefully cut with small scissors and a piece of plastic is quickly super glued on top.

How many skates are inside the egg?

There are two in our egg.  Big Skates can have anywhere from one to six embryos in an egg.

What is the egg made of?

The egg is made of keratinized collagen, like our hair and fingernails.  The skate egg is a bit softer when first laid and then stiffens. 

When will they hatch?

The baby skate will hatch when all of the yolk has been absorbed, generally around 9 months.  These skates will hatch in about 3 or 4 months.

How do they hatch?

As the skate grows, it becomes more active.  One side of the egg case becomes thinner and the seams open.  Eventually, the skate will squeeze through the opening.  Most grow to be around 6 feet in length, but some have been found at 8 feet!

What about its shape? 

This egg bears little resemblance to how most people picture an egg, but its unique features help protect the egg in the wild.  Did you notice the hook shaped corners?  These help anchor the egg to the sea floor.  The threads trap sand and debris, also helping to keep the egg on the bottom.    

Ask a Discovery Guide if you can hold an empty, dried skate egg! 

This entry was posted on April 01, 2008 and is filed under Kathleen Sheridan.
Tagged: behind the scenes
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