Skate

About this product

A moist and delicate white flesh fish.

There are two related species of Skate, Smooth Dipturus innominatus and Rough Zearaja nasuta.

Smooth Skate, is distinguished from Rough Skate by its smooth skin and larger size.

Both Smooth and Rough Skate are common in coastal waters, at depths of about 200 metres.

Key Information

Family

Skates are members of the Rajidae family (skates).

Physical attributes

Rough Skates are mottled brown with white and black spots and white undersides. This species has a rough skin and a relatively broad tail with three rows of conical spines.

Smooth Skate is the larger of the two New Zealand skate species. Smooth Skate can be distinguished by its larger size, smooth skin a more pointed snout, flatter disc and are generally more grey in colour.

Sustainability

Skate is managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Regular stock assessments are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

Both Smooth and Rough Skate are common in coastal waters, at depths of about 200 metres. Smooth Skate can sometimes be found in deeper waters.

Market Names - Maori name: Whai - The Netherlands: Rog, Vleet, Schate - France: Raies - Germany: Rochen - Spain: Suei, Gangiei - Greece: Seláchi - Korea: Gaori - Spain: Raya

Flavour and cooking

Skate has a moist and delicate white flesh. It has a medium to low oil content and are best served grilled, fried or baked. Skate is also an ideal substitute for Whitebait in fritters.