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A couple of large icebergs in the southern ocean near Antarctica

Rig Kermadec (SPO10)
Maori name
Scientific name
Mustelus lenticulatus
Physical characteristics

Rig are pale golden brown on top with numerous white spots and a white underside. Females grow larger than males and can reach a maximum length of 150 cm, compared to a maximum length of 125 cm for males.

Life cycle

Rig have an estimated maximum age of 20 years. They reach maturity at 85-100 cm length or 4-8 years depending on region. Rig have a gestation period of 10-11 months and give birth in spring-summer.

Habitat

Rig are found throughout New Zealand waters. They are a highly migratory species and move into shallow areas to give birth before returning to waters up to depths of 400 m in autumn.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance Medium
Customary significance Medium
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2013
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2013