There are a number of skate species that live in the waters off of the New Jersey coast. These flattened fish are related to sharks, and many skate species are what most people would consider a ray. Many beachcombers find skate egg cases, which are commonly known as mermaids. purses.
The egg case of these marine fish are a common sight for anyone that spends time looking for shells along the beach in New Jersey.
The so called Little Skate is the most common species of skate along the coast and is frequently caught by surf fisherman.