- Brown or gray in color on back and white underneath
- Dark brown bars, streaks, and some spots dorsally, but circular spots with lighter margins are not present
- Disc (body shape) angular, front edges nearly straight or slightly concave
- Snout is pointed and translucent on both sides (hence the name 'clearnose')
- Single row of spines located on disc starting behind spiracles near eyes, continuing to tail
- Dorsal fins similar in size and located near end of tail
- Sharp spine absent at base of tail
Habitat & Range
Bottom dwelling species commonly found in shallow, coastal waters over soft, sandy bottoms; sometimes enters lower reaches (high salinity) of estuaries and bays. Also found offshore in depths up to 1,000 feet of water.
Life History
Breed while inshore. Oviparous; females deposit leathery dark-brown translucent egg cases, as many as 66, in a single reproductive season. Empty egg cases are often found washed up on coastal beaches; commonly called “mermaid’s purses.”
