[2][3] They reach a disc width of up to 68 cm (27 in) and are a light brown in colour with black spots, whorls and rosettes.

[3][4] The upper side of the body is covered in many thornlike spines, with a row of strong thorns along the back and down the tail.

[2][3] This species is found in the eastern Atlantic, from Rio de Oro in Western Sahara to South Africa.

[2] They prefer sandy areas and are found in shallow enclosed bays and on the continental slope.

[2][4] This skate migrates towards the coastal shallows during the warm season and towards deep waters in winter.