New data on rare deep-water Mid-Atlantic skate Rajella kukujevi (Rajidae)

The most complete description and variations of morphometric and meristic characters and coloration of rare deep-water Mid-Atlantic skate Rajella kukujevi based on study of all accessible materials are presented. The analyzed relationships between the total length and external morphological characters have a linear pattern. According to several morphological characters, differences between individuals of different length and sex, as well as between individuals caught in different areas of the northern Atlantic were revealed. It was shown that the overwhelming majority of individuals have a light type of coloration, while ashen and dark types occur more rarely. All three types of coloration (except for rare exceptions) are characterized by a dark color of dorsal fins. New data on the range, vertical distribution, and sizes of Mid-Atlantic skate are presented.