Description: This plate offers an opportunity to see an example of preservation for a cartilaginous fish. This skate is a fine member of the genus Cyclobatis showing the typical circular body form for this bottom dweller. The degree of preservation shown here is exceptional; cartilage is only poorly preserved under any circumstances. The Cyclobatidae became extinct during the Cretaceous, but are thought to be distant relatives of modern-day skates (Family Rajidae). This is a very affordable example of the taxon; skates and rays are highly prized by collectors around the world due to their unusual morphology. This one can be seen to be a male due to the presence of claspers used during mating. Unlike some from the region, this specimen has NO restoration.