Distinct genetic and morphological differences exist within the common skate as traditionally defined, leading to the recommendation of splitting it into two species: The smaller (up to about in length) southern "D." cf. "flossada" (blue skate), and the larger and slower-growing northern "D." cf. "intermedius" (flapper skate). Under this taxonomic arrangement, the name "D. batis" is discarded. Alternatively, the scientific name "D. batis" (with "flossada" as a synonym) is retained for the blue skate and "D. intermedius" for the flapper skate. A formal request of preserving the name "D. batis" (with "flossada" as a synonym) for the blue skate has been submitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, but as of 2017 a decision is still pending.