Mermaids Purse
chondrichthyes
disused egg case of Flapper Skate 9"
found on Stove Bay
Although the Flapper Skate is a critically endangered species their egg cases are frequently washed ashore on Sanday after winter storms. When first laid, the case has tough tendrils that often attach to kelp stalks rooted in the seabed. After several months a fully developed miniature skate emerges from slits that open in the sides of the case..
