The major distinction between Rays and Skates is their reproductive strategy. The rest of the differences listed are morphological. The rostral cartilage of the rays is greatly reduced, and the pelvic girdle is structured such that there is less mobility in the ray. Skates have one or two dorsal fins, while the dorsal fin is either absent in rays, located proximally to the pelvic fins or forms a long finfold. The teeth in skates and rays is another distinguishing feature.
Rays have flat plate-like teeth.
Skates on the other hand have cusped teeth. Finally, skates often have enlarged, raised caudal denticles compared to the rays.