‘Ravioli-sized’ creatures hatch after aquarium visitors spot unusual eggs. Take a look
“Ravioli-sized” creatures have hatched at a California aquarium after observant visitors spotted unusual eggs.
Now visitors can check out some of the baby big skates at the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, according to a news release from the aquarium.
“They are just too cute not to share,” the aquarium said.
The big skates first arrived at the aquarium in dark brown egg cases, also known as a “mermaid’s purse.” These cases are made of a hard protein, with each one potentially carrying multiple embryos.
Some of the unusual-looking eggs hatched this week and can be spotted in the Hall of Fishes nursery habitat, the aquarium said.
But some of the baby sea creatures will not be visible to the public, the aquarium said.
Big skates are the largest skate in North American with “flat features and sandy coloration” that camouflage them on the ocean floor.
They resemble stingrays but do not have a sting barb or give live birth, the aquarium said.
They can grow up to 8 feet long and develop two large blot dots on their fins that scare off predators. They can live for up to 26 years.
This story was originally published October 5, 2023 at 3:29 PM with the headline "‘Ravioli-sized’ creatures hatch after aquarium visitors spot unusual eggs. Take a look."
