La vasca tattile
Species present in the tank
Brown Ray
Size: commonly 35 cm of total length.
Habitat: over soft bottoms, usually between 50 and 150 m of depth.
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic from Portugal to South Africa and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
It can be recognized by the spots on its pectoral fins. These eye-like markings, known as eyespots, could intimidate predators by resembling the eyes of the predator's own enemies or could draw a predator's attention away from the most vulnerable body part: the head.
Mediterranea Starry Skate
Size: max total length 70 cm.
Habitat: inshore waters down to depths of 170 mt
Distribution: Endemic to the Mediterranean but may spread to the Strait of Gibraltar, northern Morocco and possibly south to Mauritania.
This species lives up to ten years and reaches its sexual maturity quite early, at the age of three. The upper body surface is covered with small prickles and thorns that make it rough to the touch. However, like all skates, it lacks venomous spines, so it is harmless to humans. IUCN: Near Threatened
Lesser Spotted Dogfish
Size: max total length 100 cm.
Habitat: depth range 10 - 780m, usually 80 - 100 mt
Distribution: Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic from Norway south to Senegal
The Lesser Spotted Dogfish is one of the most common European sharks. A nocturnal species, during the day males rest on substrate and females hide in shallow caves and crevices. The texture of their skin is rough, similar to the coarseness of sandpaper. It feeds mainly on crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes. Sexual maturity is reached with a length of 36-48 cm and the maximum reported age is 12. IUCN: Least Concern
