Amblyraja hyperborea is an inhabitant of the Arctic and North Pacific Oceans, marine waters of northern and north-western Europe, as well as Antarctica and New Zealand. Leads a benthic lifestyle. Prefers a depth range of 50 to 500 m. The arctic skate has a diamond-shaped body with a short tail. The back is dark brownish-grey, covered with small star-shaped spines at the base. There are 5 gill slits, nostrils and mouth on the underside of the smooth body. In juveniles it is yellowish-white, in adults it is covered with dark spots and stripes, especially noticeable on the edges of the pectoral fins. The maximum recorded length is 110 cm.