Smooth Skate

Smooth Skate (Dipturus innominatus)

Also known as: Uku (Māori), Raie souple (France), Yeonhong-eo (Korea), Razza australe (Italy)

The Smooth Skate is the largest of New Zealand’s endemic skates and is easily recognised by its smooth skin, greyish colouring, and flatter disc compared with the Rough Skate. It typically has one to three rows of small spines and a more pointed snout.

This species is caught year-round, primarily as bycatch in deepwater bottom-trawl and longline fisheries, sourced mainly from the Chatham Rise and waters around the South Island, typically to depths of up to 200 metres. Smooth Skate are also frequently found in shallower coastal waters. The flesh is tender, yielding large, easily separable flakes when cooked. It is well suited for pan-frying, baking, or poaching, and offers a clean, mild flavour profile.
Average size ranges from 60 to 100 cm, reaching up to 160 cm in length and 1 to 25 kg in weight.

Catch Area: SSK3 & SSK7

Nutritional Information
Quantity per 100 grams
Energy (kJ)	303
Protein (g)	15.2
Fat
Total (g)	1.2
Saturated (g)	0.3
Carbohydrates (g)	0.3
Sugars (g)	0.3
Sodium (g)	53
Where We Catch