Fisheries Infosite

Smooth Skate 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Combined) (SSK3)
Scientific name
Dipturus innominatus

Physical characteristics

Smooth Skates have a grey-brown back with large dark spots. As their name suggests, they have smooth skin. They can grow to a body length of 155 cm, though most are around 100 cm, with females growing larger than males.

Life cycle

Smooth Skate have a maximum age of 28 years. Maturity in females is reached at a length of 112 cm and 13 years of age. Males reach maturity at 93 cm and 8 years old. Smooth Skate lay two eggs at a time in spring-summer, but it is not known how often this happens in a year.

Habitat

Smooth Skate are most commonly found around the South Island, but are known all around New Zealand. They are found at depths of around 500 m.

 
Key statistics
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