Fisheries Infosite

Rig South East (Coast) (SPO3)
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 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025