What is "little skate"

n. most plentiful skate in North American inshore waters in summer; to 21 inches [syn: Raja erinacea]

The little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, is a species of skate in the family Rajidae, found from Nova Scotia to North Carolina on sand or gravel habitats. They are one of the dominant members of the demersal fish community in the northwestern Atlantic. This species is of minimal commercial importance and is mostly used as bait for lobster traps, though its wings are also marketed for food. It is also important as a model organism for biological and medical research.